US, Europe Push Iran Nuclear Issue to UN Security Council

The United States, Britain, France, and Germany are advancing a draft resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors that would refer Iran's nuclear program to the UN Security Council. This move is prompted by the IAEA inspectors' lack of access to Iranian nuclear sites that have been struck and the absence of current data on enriched uranium stockpiles.

The draft resolution demands that Iran "urgently" rectify its non-compliance with its safeguards agreement obligations and grant inspectors the necessary access to verify nuclear materials. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that the agency can no longer "reliably determine the location and status of previously declared Iranian uranium stocks at the affected sites." Particular concern surrounds uranium enriched to 60%, of which Iran reportedly possessed approximately 440.9 kg before inspections were curtailed, with no updated data available since.

Iran has rejected these claims, warning of potential retaliatory measures. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Tehran would take "necessary steps" if the resolution is adopted, accusing Western countries of politically exploiting the IAEA. He argued that demands to open sites damaged by military actions ignore the consequences of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure.

The crisis escalated in June 2025 when the IAEA Board of Governors found Iran in non-compliance. Subsequently, several Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow and Natanz, were targeted. Inspections were halted, and in early July 2025, the IAEA withdrew its remaining inspectors from Iran. The Iranian parliament passed a law on July 2, 2025, suspending cooperation with the agency. Since then, the IAEA has not regained access to the struck sites, relying on satellite imagery and open sources.

The Western draft proposes transmitting a new resolution, previous board decisions, and Grossi's report to the UN Security Council and General Assembly. However, referral to the Security Council does not automatically trigger new sanctions, as decisions on further measures could face vetoes from Russia and China. The document simultaneously calls for a diplomatic solution and the restoration of inspection mechanisms. Tehran maintains that restrictions on inspectors are linked to U.S. and Israeli strikes and deems demands to resume checks at damaged facilities unjustified.