IAEA Refers Iran to UN Security Council for First Time in 20 Years

VIENNA— The International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors on Wednesday referred Iran to the United Nations Security Council for the first time in 20 years, citing Tehran’s failure to cooperate with a long-running investigation into uranium traces discovered at undeclared sites.

The resolution, introduced by the United States, Britain, France and Germany, was approved by the 35-member IAEA Board of Governors with 23 votes in favor. China, Russia and Niger voted against it, while eight countries abstained and one country did not vote.

The decision marks a significant escalation in international pressure on Iran over its nuclear activities. The IAEA has been unable to fully verify Iran’s nuclear material and activities at several sites, particularly following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Western governments have expressed concern that uranium traces found at previously undeclared locations could indicate that Iran conducted undisclosed nuclear activities in the past. Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons and maintains that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.

The referral to the Security Council could expose Iran to renewed international pressure, including possible sanctions. However, immediate punitive action by the council is considered difficult because Russia and China, both permanent members of the Security Council, have veto power and have opposed the measure.

Iran strongly rejected the IAEA resolution. Iran’s representative to the agency, Reza Najafi, described the decision as politically motivated and accused the IAEA of undermining its own independence and credibility. Iran has also argued that continuing military operations and attacks on its nuclear facilities have made it impossible for international inspectors to safely access some sites.

The IAEA estimates that Iran had approximately 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity before the attacks on its nuclear facilities. Uranium enriched to that level is below weapons-grade material, which is generally considered to be about 90%, but is technically much closer to weapons-grade enrichment than the level required for civilian nuclear power.

IAEA officials have stressed that the size of Iran’s enriched-uranium stockpile does not by itself establish that Tehran possesses or is developing a nuclear weapon. The Security Council referral comes amid a broader escalation in tensions between Iran and the United States and Israel, adding a major diplomatic dimension to the ongoing conflict and increasing international scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear program.