In a new and escalating development in the Iranian regime’s nuclear case, four Western countries — the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany — have submitted a draft resolution to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, accusing Tehran of “violating its safeguards commitments.”
According to the Associated Press, this draft resolution, which was shared with the Board members on Thursday, June 5, stresses that since 2019, the Iranian regime has repeatedly refused to fully and promptly cooperate with IAEA inspectors regarding undeclared nuclear material and suspicious activities at hidden sites.
Iranian Regime Atomic Energy Organization Protests IAEA Reports
The Western resolution states that Iran’s lack of transparency in its nuclear program has raised serious questions about its peaceful nature, which could eventually lead to referral to the United Nations Security Council — the body tasked with maintaining global peace and security.
IAEA on the Scene; Iran Facing Unprecedented Charges
Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the IAEA, has been tasked with continuing efforts to implement the provisions of this and previous resolutions. The IAEA’s latest quarterly report confirms existing concerns and reveals undeclared Iranian nuclear activities at sites such as Lavizan, Varamin, Marivan, and Turquzabad.
A Western diplomat told the Associated Press that if this resolution is adopted, it would mark the first time in two decades that Iran is formally accused of violating its safeguards obligations.
Iranian Regime’s Warning: Europe on the Brink of a Strategic Mistake
In response to the move, Abbas Araghchi, former deputy foreign minister of the Iranian regime, described it as a “biased action” and said, “Baseless and politicized accusations against Iran will only escalate the crisis.”
He warned that Europe is on the verge of “a major strategic mistake,” and that the Iranian regime “will respond decisively to any violation of its rights.”
Efforts to Preserve Diplomacy; But Warning About Snapback Sanctions
While this resolution is considered a major step toward increasing international pressure on Tehran, Western sources say the aim is not to end diplomacy, but to pressure Iran into providing transparency. Based on this approach, for now, the case will not be referred to the UN Security Council.
However, the three European countries have warned that if Iran continues its lack of cooperation, they are prepared to activate the “snapback mechanism” and formally refer the case to the Security Council.
