IAEA says Iran not complying with nuclear safeguards

The UN-backed atomic watchdog passed a resolution on Thursday declaring that Iran is not complying with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.

This development follows serious warnings from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi earlier this week, who said inspectors have been unable to verify whether Iran’s nuclear programme is “exclusively peaceful,” as required under the 2015 nuclear deal—abandoned later by the United States.

According to reports, a fresh round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran is set to begin Saturday in Oman, amid rising geopolitical tensions and speculation over a potential Israeli strike on Iran.

Following the IAEA Board of Governors’ resolution—passed with 19 votes in favour, 3 against, and 11 abstentions—Iran’s atomic energy agency reportedly announced plans to open a new uranium enrichment facility and increase production of enriched fissile material.

Growing Concerns

The resolution highlights long-standing concerns dating back to at least 2019, citing Iran’s failure to fully cooperate with UN nuclear inspectors.

The text notes that Tehran has “repeatedly” failed to explain or prove that its nuclear material is not being diverted for military use.

It further states that Iran has not provided “technically credible explanations for the presence of man-made uranium particles” at undeclared sites in Varamin, Marivan, and Turquzabad.

“Unfortunately, Iran has repeatedly either not answered or not provided technically credible responses to the agency’s questions,” IAEA Director-General Grossi said Monday. “It has also attempted to sanitize these locations, which has hindered verification efforts.”

Grossi reported that Iran has stockpiled approximately 400 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, warning, “Given the potential proliferation implications, the agency cannot ignore this.”