The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog agency censured Iran on Wednesday for refusing to grant inspectors access to its uranium enrichment program. This carefully worded resolution, sponsored by France, Britain, and Germany, was passed by the 35-member board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) with 20 votes in favor, 12 abstentions, and two votes against from Russia and China. The United States moderated the language of the resolution to avoid escalating tensions in the already volatile Middle East.
The censure responds to Iran’s significant advancements in its nuclear program over the past year and its lack of cooperation with the IAEA. Tehran is estimated to be only days or weeks away from producing bomb-grade fuel sufficient for three nuclear weapons, though converting this fuel into warheads could take a year or more. Nine years ago, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program in a deal with the Obama administration and European nations, with support from Russia and China. However, the recent vote in Vienna underscores a significant shift in their positions.
While IAEA censure resolutions are not legally binding, they carry substantial political weight. A similar resolution in November 2022, demanding Iran’s cooperation with investigations into uranium traces at suspected former nuclear sites, was ignored by Iran. The Biden administration, aiming to avoid provoking Tehran, supported the toned-down resolution despite concerns it might be unenforceable and could prompt Iran to escalate its nuclear activities.
Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful, yet some officials have suggested that its nuclear doctrine could change if faced with existential threats from nuclear-armed countries like Israel and the United States. Ali Vaez, Iran director of the International Crisis Group, warned that the resolution might backfire, causing Tehran to double down on the actions being condemned.
Reacting to the resolution, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization president, Mohammad Eslami, called it “anti-Iranian” and politically motivated, pledging immediate retaliation. Iran might further increase its uranium enrichment, already at 60%, approaching the 90% needed for weapons-grade fuel. Interim Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani indicated that Iran could “activate” its nuclear capabilities based on national interests.
The resolution was issued amid Iran mourning the deaths of its president and foreign minister in a recent helicopter crash. Iran, along with Russia, China, Belarus, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Syria, condemned the censure, calling it ill-conceived and a violation of diplomatic norms. The resolution outlines concerns about Iran’s nuclear program, particularly unexplained uranium traces at undeclared sites, and calls for Iran to allow inspector access and lift prohibitions on investigations.
Efforts by the Biden administration to negotiate a “longer and stronger” nuclear deal after taking office were stymied. The original 2015 deal collapsed when President Donald J. Trump withdrew in 2018 and reimposed economic sanctions on Iran, despite experts, including Trump’s advisers, affirming that the deal was effective.
