The United Nations(UN) nuclear watchdog‘s Board of Governors has approved a resolution declaring Iran non-compliant with its commitment to international nuclear safeguards. The resolution passed with 19 votes in favor, three against, and 11 abstentions. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Board of Governors cited Iran’s failure to provide credible explanations for uranium traces detected at undeclared sites in Iran, despite the agency’s investigations over several years.
According to the resolution, “Iran’s many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019” to provide the IAEA “with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations constitute non-compliance with its obligations” under its agreement with the UN agency. This development marks a significant diplomatic shift, as it’s the first time in almost 20 years the IAEA has accused Iran of breaching its non-proliferation obligations.
In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) announced plans to build a new uranium enrichment facility “in a secure location” and upgrade its nuclear centrifuges at the Fordow nuclear site.
The AEOI stated that it will replace first-generation centrifuges with “advanced sixth-generation” centrifuges, signaling its intent to continue nuclear enrichment. Iran’s foreign ministry described the board resolution as having “no technical and legal basis”.
The international community is urging Iran to respond promptly to the resolution, warning of potential repercussions, including further isolation and sanctions. Al Jazeera’s Hashem Ahelbarra noted, “Iran has a very small window to answer the resolution. Otherwise, it will face massive, massive repercussions, including the potential of further isolation and a wide range of sanctions.” Israel’s foreign ministry has also called for a decisive response to the resolution.
Meanwhile, the US and Iran are set to hold talks over Tehran’s advancing nuclear program, mediated by Oman. US President Donald Trump expressed reduced confidence in reaching a deal, stating he would not allow Iran to have an atomic bomb amid speculation about potential Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The upcoming talks will likely be influenced by the IAEA resolution, with Iran warning that sanctions could prompt it to exit the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.