IAEA board refers Iran’s nuclear case to UN Security Council

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s 35-member Board of Governors has approved a resolution reporting Iran to the United Nations Security Council over what it described as breaches of the country’s nuclear non-proliferation obligations.

At least 23 countries supported the resolution, while Russia, China and Niger opposed it. The United States, France, Germany and the United Kingdom backed the measure, which the IAEA board has reportedly passed for the first time in 20 years.

The resolution called on Iran to urgently remedy its alleged non-compliance. The European Union also accused Tehran of suspending cooperation with the IAEA and restricting inspections of its nuclear facilities.

Iran’s mission to the UN rejected the resolution and blamed the situation on what it called US and Israeli aggression. Iran had warned earlier that it would retaliate if the measure passed.

Iran is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and denies producing nuclear weapons. The IAEA says it lacks verification access to three Iranian facilities following reported damage in attacks in June 2025, leaving the agency with limited information about nuclear material and related activities.

The referral represents a diplomatic escalation, but Security Council action is not assured. Russia and China, both allies of Iran, are permanent council members with veto powers.