IAEA Board of Governors Refers Iran Nuclear File to the UN Security Council

The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) decided on Wednesday to refer the Iranian nuclear file to the United Nations Security Council, marking the first such step against Tehran in nearly two decades, according to the Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The decision came in the wake of Iran’s failure to comply with its obligations under the Safeguards Agreement, its failure to address outstanding issues related to undeclared nuclear materials and activities, and the continued inability of the Agency to carry out required verification activities.

The decision was supported by 23 members out of the 35 countries on the Board of Governors, while China, Russia, and Niger voted against it. Eight countries abstained, and one country did not participate in the vote.

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The United States, Britain, France, and Germany had jointly submitted the draft resolution, which calls on Iran to fulfill its obligations under the Safeguards Agreement, provide the Agency with the required information, and enable its inspectors to conduct the necessary verification activities.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi had previously urged Iran to resume full cooperation with the Agency and allow its inspectors access to the facilities and information necessary to verify its nuclear program.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is dedicated to peaceful purposes, opposes the referral of its case to the Security Council, and accuses Western countries of politicizing the work of the IAEA.