Iranian MP says IAEA inspectors banned but law allows exceptions

A hardline Iranian lawmaker on Thursday said that inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are now barred from entering Iran under a new parliamentary law but also acknowledged that exceptions remain possible.

Ali Khazaei told reporters that “IAEA inspectors are banned from entering the country” and that the law is binding on the government. He accused the agency of passing classified nuclear information to Iran’s enemies and said enforcement of the law was essential to “preserving national authority.”

However, Khazaei also cited a clause in the law that allows inspections in “specific locations” if the Supreme National Security Council approves and protective protocols are observed.