Iran in Breach of Nuclear Obligations, Says UN Watchdog
The UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has declared for the first time in two decades that Iran is not meeting its nuclear obligations. The resolution passed with 19 votes in favor and highlights Iran’s failure to explain uranium traces found at undeclared sites. The decision, driven by the U.S., U.K., France, and Germany, comes just days before renewed U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Oman and could lead to a referral to the UN Security Council if Iran doesn’t comply.
In a joint statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry and Atomic Energy Organization responded, saying it will build a new enrichment facility “in a secure location” and replace existing centrifuges at Fordow with more advanced models. “The implication of this is that our production of enriched materials will significantly increase,” said agency spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi. Iran also warned that if the resolution triggers sanctions, it may exit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty altogether, a move that would raise tensions further.
The U.S. has already begun pulling non-essential personnel from parts of the Middle East, and Israeli officials are reportedly preparing for possible military action. President Trump, who abandoned the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, recently said he’s “less confident” about reaching a new agreement and reaffirmed that Iran would not be allowed to develop a nuclear bomb. Amid warnings and military posturing, the upcoming talks in Oman now face even greater uncertainty.
