VIENNA: The United Nations (UN) nuclear watchdog approved a resolution urging Iran to improve its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Thursday
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The 35-member Board of Directors passed the decision with the aim of forcing Iran to re-enter talks regarding its nuclear programme by requesting a detailed report on its activates.
The resolution was proposed by the United Kingdom (UK), Germany and the United States (US). It raised doubt about the Islamic Republic’s recent initiative to limit its stockpile of uranium, which is approaching levels suitable for weaponds.
The diplomats noted that Iran’s proposal was dependent on the resolution being withdrawn, which the Western nations found inadequate.
The ambassador speaking on behalf of Germany, France, the UK and the US, Corinne Kitsell, alleged that Iran had “consistently failed to implement the commitments it has made to the Agency”.
She went on to state that “due to Iran’s failure to resolve these issues to date, the Agency cannot provide assurance that Iran’s programme remain[ed] exclusively peaceful”.
The Western nations hinted that the Islamic Republic had a history of responding negatively to resolutions by the nuclear watchdog.
“Iran has argued that any Board action under this item may undermine efforts to return to a diplomatic solution. We would reiterate that it is Iran that is seeking to politicise its safeguards obligations, which cannot be subject to negotiations”.
Following previous criticism from the IAEA Board, Iran increased its uranium enrichment and reportedly reduced the agency’s oversight.
In the latest vote, China, Russia and Burkina Faso opposed the resolution, while 19 nations supported it while over 12 abstained.
The IAEA and Iran have been involved in a prolonged standoff over several issues related to its nuclear programme. The global nuclear agency accuses Iran of failing to clarify the presene of uranium traces at undeclared sites and restricting IAWA inspectors.
The resolution now calls on the Islamic Republic to address the uranium traces and permit the IAEA to collect necessary samples.
With Donald Trump returning to presidency in the US, the chances of negotiations aimed at establishing new limits before the experaiton of the Iran Nuclear Deal (that Trump pulled out of) in Ocotober 2025 remains uncertain,.
If no new agreements are reached by the expiration date, it could lead to further sanctions on Iran already cruppled by extensive santions.
Last week, IAEA Director General visited Tehran, hoping to persuade the country’s new president to improve cooperation with the global nuclear agency.
The discussion included the possblity of iran restrcitng itself from further enriching U-235 beyond 60 per cnet.
According to reports, Iran has enough material to enrich to 60 per cent, a level close to weapons-grade purity.
Despite the allegations, Iran insists it is not pursing nuclear weaponds.