Iran is reconsidering its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, after the United Nations imposed expanded sanctions on Iran on Saturday.
The punitive measures are a reaction to Tehran’s failure to comply with international demands over its controversial nuclear program.
Iranian government spokesman, Gholamhossein Elham, said the government was reconsidering cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, calling Saturday’s resolution against Iran “illegal,” according to the Iranian news agency IRNA.
Under Iran’s Safeguards Agreement with the IAEA, Iran is obligated to inform the agency of any details, plans or decisions related to its nuclear program.
Iran has vowed that expanded sanctions against the country will only motivate Tehran to further continue pursuing nuclear power for civilian purposes.
The broadened sanctions include a ban on all arms exports from Iran. It also freezes some of the assets of individuals and entities linked to Iran’s military and nuclear agencies. They broaden limited sanctions imposed in December 2006.
The 15-member panel could also impose new penalties on Iran within 60 days if Iran fails to suspend its uranium enrichment and prove that its nuclear program is not for military purposes.
Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but the international community is concerned the technology is covertly being used to manufacture a nuclear bomb.