Iran faces new pressure as nuclear watchdog resolution looms

VIENNA: Western allies are planning to file a resolution to the world nuclear watchdog condemning Iran for “non-compliance” over its nuclear programme, diplomatic sources told AFP on Thursday.

It is the latest move in years-long efforts to restrict Iran’s nuclear activities over fears that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, which it denies.

The United States and European countries will submit the resolution to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board next week, with the threat of referring the issue to the United Nations, the sources said.

After a recent IAEA report showed “a general lack of cooperation” by Tehran, the United States, Britain, France and Germany “are tabling a resolution that will find Iran in non-compliance” with its nuclear obligations, a senior diplomatic source said.

Recent rounds of talks between the United States and Iran, mediated by Oman, have aimed to secure an agreement on limiting enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief.

Two other diplomats confirmed the resolution initiative in comments to AFP, saying it would “increase pressure” on Iran, with a vote scheduled at the IAEA board in Vienna on June 11.

Iran rejected last week’s IAEA report, calling it a “political” manoeuvre, and accused Israel of contributing “unreliable and misleading information” to it.

Iran has denied seeking nuclear arms and says it needs the uranium for civilian power production.

Diplomatic sources said the threat of action at the UN Security Council (UNSC), which can draw up sanctions, aimed to give Tehran “a last chance” to comply with western demands.

One source said the allies would refer Iran to the UNSC in the coming months if Iran “does not show goodwill” but that Tehran would be given “a window to finally comply”.