The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently faced a significant moment during its board meeting in Vienna. A resolution expressing concern over Iran’s nuclear activities was passed, but three countries—Russia, China, and Burkina Faso—voted against it. Meanwhile, eleven nations chose to abstain, and two did not participate in the vote at all.
The resolution highlights Iran’s lack of cooperation with the IAEA, particularly regarding its obligations under the Safeguards Agreement. It states that Iran has not provided timely information about undeclared nuclear materials and activities at various undisclosed sites. This failure raises serious questions about whether Iran’s nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, which could lead to a referral to the United Nations Security Council. This council has the authority to reinstate sanctions that were lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal if Iran does not comply.
European powers, including France, Germany, the UK, and the US, issued a joint statement urging Iran to take this opportunity to fulfill its obligations and address the IAEA’s longstanding queries about its nuclear activities. They emphasized that Iran still has a chance to cooperate fully.
In response, Iranian officials condemned the resolution as a politically motivated act lacking technical and legal justification. They announced plans to establish a new uranium enrichment facility at a secure location and to upgrade their centrifuges at the Fordo facility, moving from first-generation to sixth-generation machines. They indicated that further measures are also in the works.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, expressed that this resolution complicates ongoing negotiations with the US regarding a new nuclear agreement. Former President Donald Trump has been vocal about wanting Iran to halt its uranium enrichment, viewing it as essential to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons. He has even threatened military action if talks fail.
As the situation develops, a sixth round of negotiations is scheduled to take place in Oman. However, Trump has recently expressed doubts about reaching a deal, while Iranian negotiators maintain that their right to enrich uranium is non-negotiable.
Tensions are high in the Middle East, with the US advising some embassy staff to leave the region and reports suggesting that Israel is prepared to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran’s defense minister has warned that any attack would lead to retaliation against US military bases within reach. The stakes are high as the world watches how this situation unfolds.