Iran Bans IAEA Chief from Entering Country

Iran has officially barred Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), from entering its territory, in a move that further deepens tensions between Tehran and international nuclear watchdogs.

The announcement was made by Hamid Reza Haji Babaei, First Deputy Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Iranian Parliament), during a ceremony commemorating the martyrdom of Chief Justice Mohammad Hossein Beheshti and other judiciary figures killed in 1981.

Haji Babaei declared that Grossi would no longer be permitted to visit Iran, claiming that the West's focus on Iran's missile and nuclear programs was merely a pretext. He argued that Iran’s geopolitical stance, not its weapons, was the real issue for its adversaries.

According to Haji Babaei, some foreign powers believe the only way to undermine a nation with a 7,000-year-old heritage like Iran is by fueling ethnic divisions. He also claimed that Western analysts falsely assumed that 85% of Iranians would support foreign military intervention and rise up against the government if such an attack occurred.

“We will no longer allow Grossi to enter our country,” Haji Babaei stated, alleging that Israel has allocated four buildings specifically for monitoring Iran’s activities through Grossi and the IAEA. He added, “They said if we didn’t negotiate, they would strike, and they did. What should we fear? Nothing. Success is on our side.”

Earlier, Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee approved draft legislation mandating the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA. The bill reflects growing discontent in Tehran over international oversight of its nuclear activities.

Committee spokesperson Ebrahim Rezai confirmed that the proposal was passed during a recent parliamentary session and includes multiple provisions to limit Iran’s nuclear transparency.

Grossi has visited Iran several times in recent years to negotiate access to nuclear sites and address concerns about uranium enrichment levels.