IAEA Finds Iran in Non-Compliance with Nuclear Obligations

On 12th June 2025, the Board of Governors of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), formally found Iran to be in non-compliance with its nuclear obligations for the first time in 20 years.

Key Points

IAEA Resolution Passed: Nineteen countries on the IAEA Board voted in favour of the resolution citing Iran’s repeated failure to cooperate with investigations into undeclared nuclear sites. Russia, China, and Burkina Faso opposed it, while 11 abstained and two did not vote.
Iran's Retaliatory Measures: In response, Iran announced the establishment of a new uranium enrichment facility in a secure, undisclosed location, and the immediate replacement of older centrifuges with advanced ones at the Fordo facility to increase enriched uranium output.
Western Concerns: France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States introduced the resolution, stating Iran’s actions since 2019 amount to non-compliance with its Safeguards Agreement under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
UN Security Council Involvement: The resolution states that Iran's lack of transparency raises concerns that fall under the mandate of the United Nations Security Council, which is responsible for international peace and security.
Enrichment Expansion: Iranian officials revealed the third enrichment site is already built and fortified. Combined with upgraded centrifuges at Fordo, these developments could significantly accelerate Iran’s nuclear capability.