Iran warns against European resolution on its nuclear program

Tehran warns that the European resolution condemning its nuclear program at the IAEA risks severely disrupting relations with the UN agency ahead of a crucial vote.

Share:

Relations between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) may face significant strain following a new initiative led by European countries in collaboration with the United States. This resolution, accusing Iran of lacking cooperation in its nuclear program, is set to be voted on Thursday at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna.

Paris, Berlin, and London, grouped under the E3, joined forces with Washington to draft this text. It emphasizes the urgency for Tehran to provide precise and technical answers regarding the discovery of unexplained uranium traces at undeclared sites near Tehran, specifically in Turquzabad and Varamin. These findings have fueled suspicions regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the initiative as “inappropriate” and harmful. In a statement, he said such a decision would only “weaken” the cooperation between the IAEA and Iran. He also warned that Iran would respond “accordingly and appropriately” if the resolution were to pass.

Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs, criticized the use of the IAEA as a “political tool” by European countries. This viewpoint was echoed on X, where he expressed his dissatisfaction with what he perceives as the instrumentalization of the international agency.

Historical Context

This standoff takes place within a tense climate following the U.S.’s withdrawal from the 2015 Vienna nuclear deal in 2018. Under President Donald Trump, Washington unilaterally exited the agreement signed between Iran and major world powers (France, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Russia, and the United States). This treaty had imposed strict limitations on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for relief from international sanctions.

In response to the U.S. decision, Iran gradually ceased its compliance with the agreement. Tehran notably raised its uranium enrichment level to 60%, nearing the 90% threshold required for weapon production, compared to the initial cap of 3.67%.

Possible Repercussions

The strained relations between Iran and the IAEA further complicate diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 agreement, which many now regard as a “hollow shell.” Despite negotiations in 2022, no viable compromise was reached.

Iran continues to deny any military ambitions for its nuclear program, but the international community remains cautious. The current tensions underscore the challenges of finding a long-term diplomatic solution while Iran faces increasing international pressure.

Several international agencies have echoed warnings by Teresa Ribera, Vice-President of the European Commission, about commercial risks related to Chinese competition, emphasizing the EU's refusal to engage in a price war.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development lends €400 million to JSC Energocom to diversify Moldova's gas and electricity supply, historically dependent on Russian imports via Ukraine.
BRICS adopt a joint financial framework aimed at supporting emerging economies while criticizing European carbon border tax mechanisms, deemed discriminatory and risky for their strategic trade relations.
The European Commission is launching an alliance with member states and industrial players to secure the supply of critical chemicals, amid growing competition from the United States and China.
Trade between Russia and Saudi Arabia grew by over 60% in 2024 to surpass USD 3.8 billion, according to Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, who outlined new avenues for industrial cooperation.
Meeting in Rio, BRICS nations urge global energy market stability, openly condemning Western sanctions and tariff mechanisms in a tense economic and geopolitical context.
Despite strong ties, Iran's dependence on oil revenues limits its ability to secure substantial strategic support from Russia and China amid current international and regional crises, according to several experts.
Egypt’s Electricity Minister engages in new talks with Envision Group, Windey, LONGi, China Energy, PowerChina, and ToNGWEI to boost local industry and attract investments in renewable energy.
The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz places Gulf producers under intense pressure, highlighting their diplomatic and logistical limitations as a blockage threatens 20 million daily barrels of hydrocarbons destined for global markets.
Budapest and Bratislava jointly reject the European Commission's proposal to ban Russian energy supplies, highlighting significant economic risks and a direct threat to their energy security, days ahead of a key meeting.
Libya officially contests Greece's allocation of offshore oil permits, exacerbating regional tensions over disputed maritime areas south of Crete, rich in hydrocarbons and contested by several Mediterranean states.
Hungary, supported by Slovakia, strongly expresses opposition to the European Commission's plan to phase out imports of Russian energy resources, citing major economic and energy impacts for Central Europe.
Israeli military strikes on Iran's Natanz nuclear site destroyed critical electrical infrastructure but did not reach strategic underground facilities, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The French president travels to Nuuk on 15 June to support Greenlandic sovereignty, review energy projects and respond to recent US pressure, according to the Élysée.
Kazakhstan has selected Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation to build two nuclear power plants totaling 2.4 GW, a decision following a favorable referendum and coinciding with Xi Jinping’s upcoming strategic visit.
Israeli strikes against Iranian nuclear sites disrupt US-Iranian talks on the nuclear deal. Tehran now considers canceling the upcoming negotiation round in Oman, heightening regional economic concerns.
Facing alarming breaches of uranium enrichment thresholds by Iran and explicit existential threats, Israel launches targeted military strikes against Iranian nuclear infrastructure, escalating regional tensions dramatically.
The Kremlin has confirmed that Vladimir Putin aims to help resolve the nuclear dispute between the United States and Iran, leveraging strengthened strategic ties with Tehran.
President Lee Jae-myung adopts an energy diplomacy rooted in national interest, amid a complex international landscape of rivalries that could create challenging situations for the country and its energy businesses.
Paris and Warsaw held a bilateral workshop in Warsaw to strengthen coordination on electricity infrastructure investments and supply security under the Nancy Treaty.