UN atomic watchdog demands urgent Iran cooperation, site access
The International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors in Vienna passed a resolution demanding urgent cooperation from Iran and access to its nuclear sites. The motion passed with 28 of 35 votes in favour. China and Russia voted against.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in Vienna that Iran's restrictions on inspector access were unacceptable. The resolution demands that Iran provide detailed information on its enriched uranium stockpiles and allow security cameras to be installed at the Natanz, Fordow and Esfahan facilities. EU member states presented the motion jointly.
Tehran said in an official statement it would respond to the resolution in kind. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told a press conference in Tehran that Iran remains committed to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons but that pressure-based diplomacy will not work. Russian envoy Mikhail Ulyanov, voting against, argued the timing was problematic.
The resolution will be placed on the agenda of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio backed the step and said additional measures would be discussed with allies next week. Further diplomatic contacts are expected through the E3 channel of Germany, France and the United Kingdom. Not investment advice.
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