The European Union says it is deeply concerned about Iran's decision to withdraw the accreditation of a number of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
In a statement, the European Union urged Iran to reconsider its decision without delay.
In contrast, Iran's Fars news agency quoted informed sources as saying that the IAEA inspectors whose accreditation was withdrawn were 8, from France and Germany.
Fars said the inspectors had multiple visas to Iran and were able to travel to Iran to carry out routine inspections within the agency's work at any time.
Tehran informed the IAEA of the decision last Friday in a letter to IAEA Director Rafael Grossi.
Earlier, state media reported that Iran had defended its move to prevent some UN inspectors from working in the country, accusing the United States, Britain, France and Germany of "politicizing the International Atomic Energy Agency".
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said, "Our decision on IAEA inspectors is sovereign and based on international resolutions and the comprehensive safeguards agreement, and the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue its positive cooperation within the framework of the agreements, while stressing the need for the agency's neutrality."
"Unfortunately, despite Iran's positive, constructive and continuous interaction with the IAEA, the three European countries and the United States have abused the IAEA Board of Governors to achieve their own political purposes," the spokesman said in a statement.
IAEA condemns
On Saturday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) denounced what it called Iran's "disproportionate and unprecedented" action to exclude a third of the agency's inspectors, "which impedes its ability to supervise Tehran's nuclear activities."
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said Tehran had informed him of its decision to withdraw the accreditation of IAEA inspectors in charge of verification activities in Iran, noting that these inspectors are among the most experienced in the IAEA and have unique knowledge in enrichment technology.
He added in a statement that Iran's decision directly and severely affects the agency's ability to conduct effective inspections in the country.
Grossi strongly denounced this "disproportionate and unprecedented unilateral action that affects the planning and inspection activities of the IAEA in Iran as usual."
He said it was in public contradiction with the cooperation that should exist between the IAEA and Iran and constituted an unnecessary blow to the strained relationship between the two sides.
The Director General of the IAEA called on the Iranian government to reconsider its decision and return to the path of cooperation with the Agency.
IAEA inspectors assigned to Iran carry out verification functions under the NPT safeguards agreement.