Nuclear Scrutiny Intensifies: US Draft at IAEA Seeks Answers from Iran
PARIS/VIENNA — The United States is lobbying other countries on the UN nuclear watchdog’s Board of Governors to back a draft resolution demanding that Iran provide clear answers about its bombed nuclear sites and the enriched uranium stored there.
The US-drafted text, seen by Reuters and circulated ahead of this week’s quarterly board meeting, risks complicating ongoing Washington‑Tehran talks. Iran has typically responded to IAEA resolutions by escalating its nuclear activities or scaling back cooperation.
The draft demands that Iran provide “precise information on nuclear material accountancy and safeguarded nuclear facilities” and grant the agency “all access it requires to verify this information.” Both steps are described as “essential and urgent.” However, the text stops short of referring Iran to the UN Security Council.
Israel began bombing Iran’s nuclear sites on June 12, 2025, a day after the IAEA board declared Iran in breach of its non‑proliferation obligations. While those strikes destroyed or badly damaged enrichment facilities, much of Iran’s enriched uranium is believed to have survived. The IAEA estimated that before the attacks Iran had 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent purity — a short step from weapons grade.
Russia’s ambassador to the IAEA criticized the move, saying a resolution would only antagonize Iran and that the United States had “undermined” cooperation by bombing Iranian sites. Russia and China have opposed all recent resolutions against Tehran.
Also Read:
Non-Oil Growth Stalls in Qatar as Conflict Dampens Business Confidence
Indian Rupee Nears Rs100 Per Dollar: How UAE Expats Could Benefit
