Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency concluded a new framework for cooperation on September 9, following a 12-month conflict that led to Tehran suspending its collaboration with the UN nuclear watchdog, ISNA reported on September 9.

The breakthrough came during a visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who led a diplomatic delegation to Cairo. He met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to seal the deal.

Iran had halted its cooperation with the IAEA in June under a parliamentary law after Israeli strikes that also saw the US bombing Iranian nuclear facilities. Further cooperation was made conditional on approval by Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

France, Germany and the United Kingdom activated the snapback mechanism under the 2015 nuclear accord, urging Iran to resume cooperation with the IAEA within a 30-day window.

Following three rounds of negotiations with IAEA officials, Iran signed the final agreement in Egypt, outlining a revised mode of engagement. Araghchi described the deal as "a practical mechanism for cooperation that reflects both Iran's exceptional security conditions and the technical requirements of the Agency."

Speaking at a press conference in Cairo, Araghchi hailed the agreement as a significant step in sustaining the Islamic Republic's goodwill to resolve any issues related to its exclusively peaceful nuclear programme through diplomacy and dialogue.

"Despite being subjected to unlawful and criminal attacks, Iran remains committed to its inalienable right to peaceful nuclear energy under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and stands ready to engage in genuine and meaningful dialogue to fulfil its obligations," he said.

He argued that the Israeli and US strikes and continued threats had "fundamentally altered the conditions under which Iran cooperated with the Agency," making further collaboration untenable whilst safeguarded facilities were deliberately targeted and damaged.

"The suspension of cooperation with the IAEA was not our choice, but a direct consequence of unlawful actions against Iran's safeguarded installations," he said.

Araghchi stressed that the existing NPT Safeguards Agreement, designed for normal circumstances, was inadequate in the face of "an unprecedented situation created by illegal actions of the United States and Israel."

According to Araghchi, the practical steps agreed upon for implementing safeguards are fully aligned with Iranian parliamentary law, address Tehran's concerns, and provide a framework for continued cooperation.

"Cooperation is not a one-way street," he said, adding that the IAEA also bears specific responsibilities. "We expect the Agency to fully uphold its neutrality, independence and professionalism."

He concluded with a warning that should any hostile actions be taken against Iran, including the reinstatement of previously lifted UN Security Council resolutions, Tehran would consider the agreed steps null and void.

Grossi said the agreed technical document outlines a framework for the resumption of the Agency's essential inspections in Iran. He described the agreement as "a step in the right direction" and added, "This is a door we have opened. Much work remains to be done, and many joint achievements are still needed."

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas wrote on X that the agreement could be a vital step in nuclear diplomacy, provided Iran ensures its swift implementation.