Iran Shelves Resolution at IAEA
In a surprise move, Iran withdrew a draft resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) annual conference in Vienna that sought to halt attacks on its nuclear facilities. The decision came despite support from China, Russia, and several allies, with Iran citing Western pressure, particularly from the US, as the reason for shelving the proposal.
Western Lobbying Behind the Withdrawal
According to Western diplomats, the United States strongly opposed the resolution behind closed doors and warned of potential cuts to IAEA funding if the draft passed. Washington feared the move could weaken Israel’s position, as Israel has repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons and carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Draft Resolution Condemned Attacks
The draft strongly condemned the June 2025 attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling them a “clear violation of international law.” Iran insisted its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, while Israel and the US maintain suspicions of a weapons agenda.
Iran’s IAEA Ambassador, Reza Najafi, stated:
“At the request of some member states and in good faith, we have decided to postpone action on this resolution until the next meeting. This draft was not meant to divide, but to send a clear and unified message.”
US Response: Resolution Based on False Claims
The US sharply criticized Iran’s initiative. Howard Solomon, US Representative to the IAEA, dismissed the resolution as based on false information, misrepresenting both international law and IAEA documents. He added that if put to a vote, the draft would have likely been rejected by the majority of member states.
Snapback Sanctions Against Iran Underway
This development coincides with France, Germany, and Britain beginning the process of reimposing UN sanctions on Iran under the 2015 nuclear deal’s snapback mechanism. Sanctions could return within a month unless Iran:
Resumes nuclear negotiations with the US
Grants IAEA inspectors full access to its nuclear facilities
Accounts for over 400 kg of highly enriched uranium currently unreported
If unmet, these sanctions are expected to significantly escalate Iran’s economic and diplomatic isolation.
