Iran strongly criticized a recent decision by the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Board of Governors to refer its nuclear-related issues to the United Nations Security Council. The resolution, adopted on Wednesday, accuses Iran of nuclear “non-compliance,” a charge Tehran firmly rejects.
In a statement to state media, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei described the resolution as “fundamentally irrelevant.” He asserted that Iran has not violated any nuclear obligations and contended that the allegations of non-compliance are linked to attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities conducted by the United States and Israel.
Baghaei further argued that the resolution unfairly demands Iran to fulfill its commitment under the IAEA safeguards agreement without acknowledging that Tehran’s decision to restrict agency access to certain nuclear sites was a response to what he characterized as “aggressive actions” by Washington and Tel Aviv.
The IAEA board’s referral to the Security Council marks an escalation in international efforts to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear program. The move typically signals that diplomatic measures have stalled and could lead to the imposition of sanctions or other punitive actions.
Iran’s rejection of the resolution reflects ongoing tensions between Tehran and Western countries, particularly the United States, over the scope and intent of its nuclear activities. While the IAEA and some member states cite evidence of undisclosed nuclear material and possible weaponization-related work, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is strictly peaceful and compliant with international obligations.
The United States and its allies have repeatedly urged the Security Council to take a firm stance against Iran’s nuclear activities, citing security risks and regional instability. Meanwhile, Iran continues to call for respect for its sovereign rights and adherence to the terms of the 2015 nuclear agreement, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which the U.S. withdrew in 2018.
The referral comes amid heightened diplomatic efforts to revive the JCPOA, though progress has stalled in recent months. The dispute over Iran’s nuclear access and compliance remains a major hurdle in these negotiations.