The UN nuclear watchdog has taken a major step by referring Iran to the Security Council for the first time in 20 years. The 35-nation board of governors passed a resolution on Wednesday reporting Tehran for breaching its non-proliferation obligations, diplomats confirmed.
This move follows a June 2025 finding that Iran was in non-compliance. That earlier resolution came just one day before Israel began bombing Iranian nuclear sites, with the United States joining soon after. A second resolution was needed to formally report the breach to the council.
Although Russia and China hold veto power and are unlikely to allow strong action, the referral marks a clear escalation in the long-running diplomatic clash between Iran and Western powers. Iran had warned it would retaliate if the measure passed. Its mission to the IAEA later called the resolution political and non-consensual. It blamed the current crisis on “criminal acts of aggression” by the United States and Israel and rejected any attempt to force Iran into surrender or seize its oil.
The resolution, backed by the US, Britain, France and Germany, passed with 23 votes in favour, three against and eight abstentions. Russia, China and Niger voted no. It instructs the IAEA Director General to report the decision and earlier findings to all agency members, the Security Council and the UN General Assembly.
A new standoff has emerged over access to the bombed sites. Iran has blocked inspectors from returning to key facilities, including three uranium-enrichment plants heavily damaged in the strikes. Tehran has also failed to account for its stock of enriched uranium, some of which reached 60 percent purity, close to weapons-grade levels.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi told the board that the lack of information and verification at these sites poses a serious proliferation concern and must be fixed urgently. Before the attacks the agency estimated Iran held 440.9 kg of uranium enriched up to 60 percent, enough for about 10 nuclear weapons if further processed. Officials believe more than 200 kg may still remain at one location.
Wednesday’s resolution also recalled a June 2026 demand that Iran declare remaining stocks and allow full verification. The dispute continues to deepen tensions already heightened by military action and restricted inspections.
