Criticism of nuclear resolution: Iran wants to build new centrifuges
In the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program, the international supervisory authority IAEA has increased the pressure, drawing the ire of the leadership in Tehran. The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned a critical resolution by the Atomic Energy Agency accusing Iran of a lack of cooperation – and in return announced the introduction of new centrifuges for faster uranium enrichment. Since highly enriched uranium is required to build nuclear warheads, there are fears that the Islamic Republic could, contrary to all assurances, seek nuclear weapons.
In its resolution, the IAEA Board of Governors commissioned the head of the authority, Rafael Grossi, to deliver a report on unresolved questions about Iran’s nuclear program by spring. For years, IAEA inspectors have been demanding that Tehran provide conclusive explanations for traces that pointed to secret nuclear facilities and previous activities. If Tehran continues to fail to provide answers, Grossi’s report could serve as a basis for involving the UN Security Council, Western diplomats said.
The Security Council would have the option to impose new sanctions. However, the most powerful UN body has been politically blocked for some time, mainly because the veto states USA, Russia and China are preventing joint resolutions. Russia is receiving support in its war of aggression against Ukraine from China and Iran, which is supporting the Russian army with arms deliveries.
The IAEA resolution was introduced by Germany, Great Britain, France and the United States. A total of 19 states in the Board of Governors voted in favor of the text, while twelve abstained. Russia, China and Burkina Faso rejected it.
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