On Thursday evening, the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna passed a significant resolution against the Iranian regime, marking yet another condemnation of its nuclear program.
Out of the 35 member states of the Board, 19 voted in favor of the resolution, while 12 abstained, and 3—Russia, China, and Burkina Faso—opposed it. The resolution directs the IAEA’s director-general to prepare a comprehensive report by spring 2025, detailing the regime’s violations and defiance of international nuclear safeguards.
A Legacy of Non-Compliance
The resolution underscores the Iranian regime’s persistent lack of transparency and cooperation with the IAEA. It expresses grave concern over Tehran’s failure to explain the presence of uranium particles at four undisclosed sites, a potential indicator of nuclear activities with military dimensions. These concerns come amid a broader history of concealment and evasion by the regime.
The comprehensive report, mandated by the resolution, will assess the regime’s nuclear activities, cooperation with the IAEA, and adherence to safeguards obligations, including preventing the diversion of nuclear materials for non-peaceful purposes.
Escalating Tensions
The resolution’s adoption reflects mounting pressure by Western powers to bring the Iranian regime to the negotiating table for new limitations on its nuclear activities. Yet, significant doubts remain about whether the incoming U.S. administration under Donald Trump, set to take office in January, will pursue such negotiations.
The resolution explicitly condemns the regime for failing to comply with prior IAEA directives and reminds of unresolved findings dating back to previous resolutions in June 2020, June 2022, November 2022, and June 2024. The Iranian regime has consistently avoided providing valid technical explanations for uranium particles found at sites linked to potential weaponization.
A History of Deception
For over three decades, the Iranian regime has pursued its nuclear ambitions under a veil of secrecy and deceit. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) first exposed the regime’s clandestine nuclear activities 33 years ago, revealing key facilities such as Natanz and Arak in 2002. Since then, Tehran has declared none of its illegal nuclear projects voluntarily, instead opting for a strategy of denial and deflection.
A striking example of the regime’s duplicity came in 2019 when Ali Akbar Salehi, then head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, admitted to circumventing JCPOA commitments by secretly retaining critical infrastructure. Salehi’s candid acknowledgment highlights the regime’s enduring strategy of exploiting diplomatic agreements to advance its nuclear capabilities.
Regime’s Defiance
In response to the resolution, the Iranian regime escalated its rhetoric and actions. It announced the launch of numerous advanced centrifuges, framing this move as consistent with its “peaceful” nuclear ambitions. However, such measures clearly defy the spirit of international agreements and further isolate Tehran on the global stage.
The regime’s Foreign Ministry and Atomic Energy Organization issued a joint statement, accusing Western governments of dishonesty and reiterating their intention to continue nuclear development under the guise of peaceful use.
International Response
Maryam Rajavi, president-elect of the NCRI, welcomed the IAEA resolution, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger international measures. In a statement posted on her X account, she declared:
“The clerical regime, in flagrant violation of the nuclear agreement, continues its pursuit of a nuclear bomb. Activating the snapback mechanism and reinstating the six UN Security Council resolutions are urgent and essential first measures. However, true liberation from the threat of a nuclear-armed terrorist dictatorship lies in regime change led by the Iranian people and the Iranian Resistance.”
Rajavi called on the UN Security Council to act under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, stressing the regime’s threat to international peace and security.
Looking Ahead
The Iranian regime’s nuclear ambitions remain a critical challenge for global security. Despite years of diplomacy, its continued defiance highlights the limits of engagement without robust enforcement mechanisms. As the international community grapples with Tehran’s provocations, the IAEA resolution serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for unified and decisive action to hold the regime accountable.