UN nuclear watchdog resolution demands urgent action from Iran
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) speaks to journalists during his press conference after the IAEA's Board of Governors meeting at the agency's headquarters in Vienna, Austria on November 20, 2024. (AFP Photo)
The United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has passed a resolution criticizing Iran for its limited cooperation with the agency. The decision, brought forward by the United States, Britain, France, and Germany, was adopted late Thursday after heated discussions, according to diplomats. Iran has dismissed the move as “politically motivated.”
The resolution, which follows a similar censure in June, was approved with 19 votes in favor, 12 abstentions, and opposition from China, Russia, and Burkina Faso. Venezuela abstained from the vote entirely. It underscores international concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities, which critics fear are aimed at developing a nuclear weapon—an allegation Tehran has consistently denied.
Western concerns over uranium enrichment
The resolution emphasizes the “essential and urgent” need for Iran to meet its legal obligations under international nuclear agreements. It also demands “technically credible explanations” for uranium particles discovered at two undeclared sites in Iran.
In a joint statement, Britain, France, and Germany highlighted the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program, noting that Tehran has amassed enough highly enriched uranium for four nuclear weapons. The U.S. described the situation as “deeply troubling.”
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi recently secured a commitment from Tehran to limit its stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60 percent purity—near weapons-grade levels. Grossi characterized this as “a concrete step in the right direction,” though he warned that future developments could derail the progress.
Iran’s ambassador to the IAEA, Mohsen Naziri Asl, downplayed the resolution’s significance, pointing to what he called its “low support” compared to prior censures. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned that the resolution “will disrupt” interactions with the IAEA but reiterated Tehran’s willingness to cooperate.
Tehran has threatened a “proportionate” response to the resolution, potentially including increased enrichment levels, according to foreign policy expert Rahman Ghahremanpour. However, Ghahremanpour noted that Iran is unlikely to take drastic measures that could escalate tensions further, especially as the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House looms.
