Germany has strongly condemned Iran’s recent “threats” against the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), urging Tehran to cease its aggressive rhetoric. The escalation follows Tehran’s rejection of the IAEA’s request to visit key nuclear facilities that were bombed in Israeli and US strikes.

Tehran has accused Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA, of “betrayal of his duties” after he failed to denounce the attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. In response to the fallout, the Iranian parliament recently voted to suspend cooperation with the UN’s nuclear watchdog. On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed his discontent on social media platform X, asserting that Grossi’s insistence on visiting bombed sites was “meaningless and possibly even malign in intent.”

Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul voiced deep concern on Sunday over the threats targeting Grossi and his team, emphasizing the importance of IAEA’s work. “I commend director general Rafael Grossi and his team for their efforts and their unrelenting professionalism. Threats against them from within Iran are deeply troubling and must stop,” Wadephul posted on X, urging Iranian authorities to cooperate with the IAEA and ensure the safety of its personnel.

Tehran has rejected the IAEA’s resolution from June 12, which accused Iran of failing to meet its nuclear obligations, viewing the move as a pretext for Israel’s subsequent military action. Iran has argued that this international condemnation directly fueled Israel’s decision to launch a military strike on June 13.

Germany, echoing its earlier statements, warned that the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA would send the wrong message globally. Wadephul stressed that such actions would have severe diplomatic consequences, urging Iran to continue dialogue with the agency.