The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Board of Governors adopted a resolution on Thursday condemning Iran’s non-compliance with its nuclear obligations — marking the first such resolution in two decades. The move could pave the way for the reimposition of international sanctions later this year.
اضافة اعلان
According to diplomats present at the closed session, 19 countries voted in favor of the resolution, while Russia, China, and Burkina Faso voted against it. Eleven countries abstained, and two did not vote.
The resolution urges Iran to promptly provide explanations regarding the uranium traces found at multiple undeclared sites, an issue Iran has so far failed to address. Western officials suspect these traces could be evidence of a clandestine nuclear weapons program that Iran may have pursued until 2003.
The draft was submitted by France, the UK, Germany, and the United States.
While Iran had not issued an immediate response to the resolution, it had previously warned of swift retaliation if such a decision were passed.
“Iran’s repeated failures since 2019 to fulfill its obligations and to provide full and timely cooperation with the IAEA concerning undeclared nuclear material and activities constitute non-compliance with its safeguards agreement,” the draft resolution stated.
Rising Regional Tensions
Under the NPT Safeguards Agreement, Iran is legally obligated to declare all nuclear materials and activities and allow IAEA inspectors to verify that none are being diverted for military purposes.
The resolution also warned that the IAEA’s inability to confirm the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program raises concerns that may fall under the jurisdiction of the UN Security Council, which is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
The vote comes at a critical geopolitical moment, as the U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday a partial withdrawal of non-essential staff from the Middle East due to heightened security risks.
Simultaneously, diplomatic efforts continue, with the sixth round of U.S.-Iran talks on Iran’s nuclear program scheduled to take place in Oman this Sunday, according to the Omani Foreign Minister.
The resolution explicitly supports diplomacy, stating:
“We support a diplomatic resolution to concerns related to Iran’s nuclear program, including the ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations, and encourage all parties to engage constructively and flexibly to reach a comprehensive settlement that ensures the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities and restores international confidence.”
Diplomatic Track Still Open
Despite the firm language, the resolution signals continued support for a diplomatic solution, emphasizing the importance of reaching an agreement that resolves all international concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities.
The international community remains deeply concerned as Iran’s enrichment program inches closer to weapon-grade levels, although Tehran insists its nuclear ambitions are purely peaceful.
The upcoming talks in Oman are seen as a potential turning point to ease tensions and avoid a deeper crisis in the region.
