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[INTERNATIONAL] · United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Iran · 29 sources

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US and allies seek to refer Iran to UN Security Council

The United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany are lobbying the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors to pass a resolution next week that would refer Iran to the UN Security Council. This move marks the first such referral attempt in approximately 20 years.

The diplomatic escalation follows a June 2025 IAEA determination that Iran breached its non-proliferation obligations by failing to cooperate with investigations into uranium traces found at undeclared sites. This finding occurred one day before military strikes by Israel and the United States targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, causing significant damage to enrichment plants.

Since those strikes, Iran has denied IAEA inspectors access to the damaged sites and has not allowed verification of its enriched uranium stocks. The IAEA estimates that over 200 kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity remains in facilities at Natanz and Isfahan. While Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, the IAEA has expressed serious concern regarding the high level of enrichment.

If the resolution passes, the matter will move to the UN Security Council, which has the authority to impose legally binding measures such as sanctions or asset freezes. However, diplomats note that major punitive actions may be hindered by the veto power held by Russia and China.

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International Atomic Energy Agency · Iran · Israel · Israel · Rafael Grossi · United Nations Security Council · United States · United States

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