Tehran ~ Iran has officially withdrawn from a key cooperation arrangement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), escalating tensions over its nuclear programme following a split vote at the UN watchdog’s Board of Governors.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that Tehran now considers the so-called “Cairo understanding” terminated after the Board approved a resolution urging Iran to “without delay” provide answers on its enriched uranium stockpile and clarify issues related to facilities damaged in attacks earlier this year.

The resolution—drafted by the US and the European trio of France, Germany and the UK—passed 19–3 with 12 abstentions. It made no mention of Iran’s cooperation with the agency, something Tehran had insisted be acknowledged.

Calling the resolution

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