UN nuclear watchdog rebukes Iran, sparking tensions, possible sanctions

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) board of governors has formally declared that Iran is not complying with its nuclear obligations for the first time in two decades, a development that could escalate tensions and pave the way for the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions on Tehran later this year.

In response to the vote, Iran swiftly announced plans to establish a new uranium enrichment facility, describing it as “in a secure location” and indicating that “other measures are also being planned,” Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

A joint statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran emphasized, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has no choice but to respond to this political resolution.”

The resolution was supported by 19 member countries of the IAEA board, which includes representatives from its member states. Russia, China, and Burkina Faso opposed the motion, while 11 countries abstained and two did not vote. The resolution was introduced by France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.

According to the draft resolution, the board renewed its call for Iran to provide “without delay” answers regarding uranium traces found at several undeclared sites. Western officials suspect these findings may indicate a covert nuclear weapons program that Tehran allegedly maintained until 2003.

Iran’s announcement did not specify the location of the new facility, but the country has reportedly been expanding underground tunnels near its Natanz enrichment site. Tehran also intends to replace older IR-1 centrifuges at its Fordo underground plant with advanced IR-6 centrifuges, which enrich uranium at a faster rate.

The draft notes, “Iran’s many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran ... constitutes non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement.”

The resolution further states that the IAEA’s “inability ... to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful gives rise to questions that are within the competence of the United Nations Security Council.”

The vote coincides with heightened regional tensions, as the US announced a reduction in non-essential personnel in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump has warned that Israel or the US could carry out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites if diplomacy fails.

The draft resolution affirms its “support for a diplomatic solution to the problems posed by the Iranian nuclear program, including the talks between the United States and Iran,” encouraging all parties to “constructively engage in diplomacy.” Oman’s foreign minister confirmed that a sixth round of talks between Washington and Tehran will take place on June15 in Oman.

By Vafa Guliyeva