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Cameras monitoring Iran's nuclear activity will be switched off until a 2015 nuclear deal is restored, the country's atomic energy officials have announced.
- Donald Trump pulled the US out of the deal in 2018
- Iran vows not to turn the cameras on until the United States agrees to the deal
- Iran officials say the International Atomic Energy Agency chief has "unprofessional" and "unfair" views on its nuclear program
There are 27 UN nuclear watchdog cameras in Iran, installed along with other International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) equipment under the nuclear deal.
The 2015 pact imposed curbs on the country's nuclear activities in exchange for lifted international sanctions.
Then-president Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the deal in 2018, reimposing tough economic sanctions on Tehran and prompting Iranian leaders to breach nuclear restrictions.
The head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation told the IAEA it had removed the equipment after the agency passed resolutions criticising Iran in June.
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"We will not turn on the IAEA cameras until the other side returns to the nuclear deal," Mohammad Eslami said.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanaani, accused IAEA chief Rafael Grossi of having "unprofessional, unfair and unconstructive views" on Tehran's nuclear program.
He also added Tehran hopes a return to the nuclear deal can be reached soon should the United States show goodwill.
ABC/Reuters