Vienna — For the first time in two decades, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog has formally accused Iran of failing to meet its nuclear obligations, a move that raises the stakes in an already tense standoff.
In a resolution passed Thursday by the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the agency expressed “deep concern” over Iran’s refusal to fully cooperate with investigations into its atomic programme. The resolution carries no immediate penalties, but could lead to a referral to the UN Security Council if Iran continues to stonewall inspectors.
The language of the document, diplomats say, signals a sharp deterioration in the relationship between Tehran and the West. It follows a recent IAEA report warning of “insufficient transparency” and “persistent unanswered questions” regarding undeclared nuclear material found at multiple sites in Iran.
“This is not a decision taken lightly,” one European diplomat involved in the talks said. “Iran has had years to come clean, and the door is still open but it won’t be forever.”
Iran’s government has pushed back forcefully. Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, speaking earlier this week, warned European nations against backing the resolution, calling it “provocative” and threatening a “strong and immediate” response.
While the exact nature of that response remains unclear, Tehran has previously retaliated against similar censure by expanding its uranium enrichment and limiting IAEA access to nuclear facilities.
Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful. It claims that the IAEA’s findings are based on “fabricated” intelligence supplied by Israel and that its right to pursue civilian nuclear technology is protected under international law.
The IAEA, however, maintains that Iran has not provided credible answers regarding uranium traces discovered at sites that had never been declared. The agency has been investigating these issues for several years without resolution.
“This resolution sends a clear message that the international community is losing patience,” said Kelsey Davenport, director for non-proliferation policy at the Arms Control Association. “It reflects growing concern that Iran may be inching closer to the technical capacity needed for a nuclear weapon.”
The United States and its European allies Britain, France and Germany all backed the motion. Russia and China voted against it, with both countries urging continued diplomacy.
While a UN referral could take weeks or even months, Thursday’s decision adds pressure on Iran at a delicate moment. Talks aimed at reviving the 2015 nuclear deal which lifted sanctions in exchange for curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme have stalled. A breakthrough looks increasingly remote.
The resolution, though symbolic for now, brings the world a step closer to a diplomatic crossroads and possibly, a deeper confrontation.
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