UN Declares Iran Non-Compliant with Nuclear Safeguards Amid Rising Tensions

VIENNA, Austria — The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has passed a resolution declaring that Iran is not complying with its nuclear obligations. The vote took place on Thursday, with 19 members in favor, three against, and 11 abstaining, according to diplomatic sources.

A critical concern highlighted in the resolution is Iran’s inability to provide credible explanations regarding the traces of uranium found at undeclared sites. The agency has investigated these issues for several years without satisfactory responses from Tehran.

The resolution states, “Iran’s many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019” regarding cooperation with the IAEA have constituted non-compliance. The agency emphasized the need for full and timely cooperation about undeclared nuclear materials at various sites.

In response, Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) announced plans to construct a new uranium enrichment facility “in a secure location.” They also hinted at forthcoming measures following the board’s resolution.

The AEOI has indicated it will replace first-generation centrifuges at the Fordow nuclear site with “advanced sixth-generation” centrifuges, signaling that Iran intends to continue its nuclear enrichment activities. The Iranian Foreign Ministry further claimed that the IAEA resolution lacks both technical and legal foundation.

Al Jazeera‘s reporter in Vienna, Hashem Ahelbarra, noted that countries such as Russia, China, and Burkina Faso voted against the resolution. He characterized the passing of the resolution as a “significant diplomatic development,” marking the first time in nearly two decades that the IAEA accused Iran of violating its non-proliferation obligations.

Ahelbarra also warned that Iran has a limited timeframe to respond to the resolution, or it could face severe repercussions, including increased isolation and possible sanctions.

In a related statement, Israel‘s foreign ministry urged the international community to take decisive action regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. Meanwhile, the United States and Iran are scheduled to continue negotiations concerning Tehran’s nuclear program on Sunday in Oman, a move described as being heavily influenced by the newly passed IAEA resolution.

Iran has sent a letter to the UN, suggesting that if the IAEA resolution leads to sanctions, it might withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, further complicating diplomatic talks.

US President Donald Trump and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are currently engaged in multiple diplomatic efforts, one of which includes reaching a new nuclear deal with Iran. Trump has expressed mixed feelings regarding the likelihood of success in the upcoming negotiations, insisting on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

With tensions escalating, reports indicate that Israel is sending officials to meet with US representatives ahead of the talks. Concurrently, the US has been evacuating non-essential staff from various Middle Eastern countries amid the heightened tensions.