US, allies want IAEA board to report Iran to UN Security Council, diplomats say

What Happened

The United States, Britain, France and Germany are pushing other countries on the International Atomic Energy Agency’s 35-nation board to pass a resolution next week reporting Iran to the UN Security Council for the first time in 20 years, according to diplomats. The resolution would follow up on a board resolution adopted on June 12 of last year declaring Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for not fully cooperating with an investigation into uranium traces found at undeclared sites. Diplomats said a draft text has not yet been formally submitted and negotiations over wording are ongoing. On February 28, the United States launched an air war against Tehran and, together with Israel, destroyed or badly damaged Iran’s uranium-enrichment facilities. Iran has not let IAEA inspectors return to the bombed sites since then, and the IAEA believes well over 200 kg of uranium enriched up to 60% purity has survived and is held in a tunnel complex at Isfahan and at the Natanz facility.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

A board decision to report Iran to the UN Security Council would mark the first such referral in two decades and escalate the IAEA access standoff into a Security Council matter, potentially reopening broader international sanctions or enforcement debate. The unresolved status of more than 200 kg of 60%-enriched uranium after the February 28 strikes prolongs a serious proliferation concern, since Iran remains the only country enriching to that level without producing nuclear weapons.

Watch For

The IAEA board meeting next week will show whether the US/E3 push secures enough votes, and whether a draft resolution is formally submitted and with what final wording. Also monitor whether Iran permits IAEA inspectors to visit the Isfahan tunnel complex and Natanz facility to verify the surviving highly enriched uranium, and how the UN Security Council responds if the referral is approved.