UN Nuclear Watchdog Refers Iran to Security Council

The United Nations nuclear watchdog's board of governors has referred Iran to the UN Security Council for the first time in two decades, citing the country's noncompliance with safeguards obligations. The resolution, passed by the 35-nation board, addresses Iran's failure to provide satisfactory explanations for uranium traces found at undeclared sites and its continued lack of access for inspectors to facilities damaged by recent military strikes. Diplomats reported that the resolution, proposed by the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany, received 23 votes in favor. Russia, China, and Niger opposed the measure, while eight countries abstained. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has stated it cannot verify Iran's nuclear material or conduct necessary verification activities at the damaged sites, which IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi described as a "matter of serious proliferation concern." According to IAEA estimates, Iran held approximately 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent purity before the strikes.