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UN nuclear watchdog declares Iran non-compliant with nuclear commitments

Ayer 10:03

The Board of Governors of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has adopted a resolution stating that Iran is failing to meet its international nuclear safeguard obligations, according to diplomatic sources reported by Al Jazeera. The resolution passed on Thursday with 19 votes in favor, three against, and 11 abstentions.

Following the decision, Iran’s Foreign Ministry and Atomic Energy Organization issued a joint statement announcing plans to establish a new uranium enrichment site in a “secure location,” with additional measures to be revealed later.

The resolution, obtained by Reuters, highlighted Iran’s repeated failures since 2019 to provide the IAEA with full and timely cooperation concerning undeclared nuclear materials and activities at multiple undisclosed sites, which constitutes a breach of its obligations under its agreement with the UN agency.

Al Jazeera correspondent Hashem Ahelbarra in Vienna reported that Russia, China, and Burkina Faso were among the board members opposing the resolution. He described the decision as a significant diplomatic event, noting it is the first time in nearly two decades that the IAEA has formally accused Iran of violating its non-proliferation commitments.

Ahelbarra emphasized that Iran has a limited timeframe to respond to the resolution, warning that failure to do so could lead to severe consequences, including increased isolation and extensive sanctions.

In Tehran, Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi noted that Iran is expected to respond strongly to the resolution. He also mentioned that upcoming US-Iran talks scheduled for Sunday will be heavily influenced by the outcome of the IAEA vote.

Iran’s Press TV quoted the foreign ministry as stating that the resolution “lacks any technical or legal foundation.”

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