The move intensifies a standoff over Iran’s nuclear work following Tehran’s decision to suspend cooperation with the agency.

The withdrawal of international inspectors comes amid heightened concerns that Iran, battered by Israeli and U.S. strikes, may be driven to try to build a nuclear bomb.

Israel and the U.S. struck Iranian nuclear facilities, resulting in what Trump has described as "total obliteration" of three sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Israel said Iran had nuclear ambitions that posed an existential threat to its existence.