2025-06-12T10:28:00Z

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VIENNA (AP) — In a significant development on Thursday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), often referred to as the U.N. nuclear watchdog, announced that Iran has failed to comply with its nuclear obligations. This marks the first time in two decades that such a declaration has been made, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the region and the potential reimposition of United Nations sanctions against Tehran later this year.

In a swift response to the IAEA's announcement, Iranian officials declared intentions to establish a new enrichment facility at an undisclosed secure location. The Iranian Foreign Ministry, along with the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, issued a joint statement emphasizing, “The Islamic Republic of Iran has no choice but to respond to this political resolution.” Their commitment to advancing their nuclear program reflects a tense atmosphere as diplomatic negotiations unfold.

U.S. President Donald Trump had previously warned of possible military actions, stating that Israel or American forces could conduct airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites if diplomatic efforts fail. This warning comes amidst rising regional tensions, leading to American personnel and their families evacuating from the area. Following the IAEA vote, the U.S. Embassy in Israel advised American government employees and their families to stay within the Tel Aviv area due to security concerns. The backdrop of these developments coincides with an upcoming round of talks between the U.S. and Iran, scheduled for Sunday in Oman.

The resolution passed by the IAEA board of governors saw support from 19 member countries, according to anonymous diplomatic sources who described the outcome of the confidential vote. While Russia, China, and Burkina Faso opposed the resolution, 11 nations abstained, and two chose not to vote. The draft resolution calls on Iran to provide immediate clarity regarding a long-standing investigation into uranium traces discovered at multiple undeclared sites, prompting concerns among Western officials that these traces indicate Iran may have operated a clandestine nuclear weapons program until 2003.

The resolution was spearheaded by France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States. The diplomatic community remains watchful as the outcome of these deliberations could significantly shift the geopolitical landscape. The urgency of the resolution is underscored by remarks from the spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, Behrouz Kamalvandi, who indicated that Tehran would be taking specific and effective actions in response to the vote. These actions reportedly include the launch of a third secure enrichment site, which Kamalvandi described as “already built, prepared, and located in a secure and invulnerable place.”

Iran currently operates two underground enrichment facilities at Fordo and Natanz and has been constructing tunnels near Natanz, which have been suspected as protective measures against potential Israeli sabotage. Additionally, the Iranian officials indicated that they plan to upgrade their centrifuge technology at the Fordo facility, which could significantly boost their production of enriched materials.

The draft resolution underscores Iran’s ongoing failures to uphold its commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which mandates that Iran declare all nuclear material and related activities and permit IAEA inspectors to verify that such materials are not diverted from peaceful purposes. The IAEA noted that their inability to provide assurance that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful raises critical questions for the United Nations Security Council, which bears the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.

Despite the gravity of the situation, a senior Western diplomat emphasized that the door for diplomacy remains open, indicating that if Iran chooses to cooperate, further discussions might be pursued. However, should Iran continue to defy the IAEA’s inquiries, a special board meeting may be convened in the summer to consider further actions, potentially leading to the referral of the issue to the Security Council.

The three European nations behind the resolution have previously warned of the possibility of reinstating sanctions under the “snapback” mechanism established by the original 2015 nuclear deal should Iran fail to provide credible answers to the watchdog's questions. This mechanism must be activated before October, putting pressure on Western nations to act swiftly in addressing concerns related to Iran’s nuclear program.

The resolution was released following the IAEA’s comprehensive report circulated among member states revealing that Iran’s cooperation has been deemed “less than satisfactory,” particularly regarding the uranium traces detected at various sites. One of these sites gained notoriety in 2018 when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented it to the U.N. as a covert nuclear facility, a claim Iran has vehemently denied. However, subsequent inspections by the IAEA confirmed the presence of uranium traces there and at other sites, raising further alarm among international observers.

As the dynamics surrounding Iran's nuclear program continue to evolve, the international community remains vigilant, recognizing that the stakes are higher than ever regarding regional stability and global security.