Iran defers UN resolution banning strikes on nuclear sites amid US pressure

Historically, IAEA suspended technical assistance to Israel in 1981 after it struck a nuclear reactor in Iraq, an attack condemned by UN Security Council resolutions, the IAEA General Conference and the IAEA Board of Governors.

The resolution’s withdrawal comes as US allies kick off the process to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.

Deferral amid rising tensions

Iran’s Ambassador to the UN, Reza Najafi, announced Thursday that, “guided by the spirit of goodwill and constructive engagement, and at the request of several member states,” the resolution’s consideration would be deferred until next year’s conference.

The decision comes amid rising tensions following Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites in June. Israel argued it could not allow Tehran to develop nuclear weapons. The US carried out strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22. Iran maintains its nuclear program is strictly peaceful.

The text of Iran’s draft resolution included a paragraph that condemned the “deliberate and unlawful attacks carried out in June 2025 against nuclear sites and facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” calling them a “clear violation of international law.” It also reiterated that all states must refrain from attacking or threatening peaceful nuclear facilities.

Najafi said that Iran and the other co-sponsors, including Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Belarus, and Zimbabwe, did not intend to create divisions among member states.  He added, “On matters of such importance and sensitivity, it is imperative that the general conference conveys a unified and unambiguous message.” 

He said, “We firmly believe that the voice of this body should not be distorted under the weight of the intimidation and political pressure exerted by one of the aggressors.”

Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s civilian atomic energy organisation, speaking at the IAEA General Conference earlier this week, said he expected IAEA member states to “take appropriate measures in response to these unlawful attacks on nuclear facilities.” He said the “recent threats made by the United States in this regard, as well as the exertion of political pressure on countries and the instrumental use of the Agency in various forms, including through influence on its budget, are matters of serious concern.”

Howard Solomon, the US charge d’affaires in Vienna, called the resolution “deeply inaccurate,” arguing it distorted events and international law. He said it “would have been overwhelmingly defeated” if put to a vote. Solomon defended the US strikes in June, citing the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear enrichment program and emphasising that the administration did not act lightly.

The IAEA General Conference, attended by representatives of 180 member states, debates international nuclear policy, approves budgets, and considers resolutions on nuclear safety. France, Germany, and the UK have triggered a process to reimpose the UN sanctions on Iran, citing violations of the 2015 nuclear deal.

This “snapback” mechanism is designed to bypass vetoes at the UN, with sanctions set to resume within 30 days unless Iran resumes negotiations with the US.

(With inputs from AP)