Why it matters:
Tehran warns the move undermines the credibility of the non-proliferation regime and deepens divisions in international institutions. Also, the decision could directly affect Iran’s cooperation framework with the IAEA and the future of nuclear diplomacy.
The big picture:
Iran warns that Western powers are using the IAEA as a political tool rather than a neutral monitoring body.
The Foreign Ministry says that the current inspection gaps are the result of military attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities by the U.S. and Israel.
Tehran emphasizes that its nuclear program is peaceful and warns that Israel’s undeclared nuclear arsenal poses the real threat to regional and global security.
Key points:
- Iran notes that the resolution was passed through Western numerical dominance in the Board, despite opposition from nearly half of the member states, including two permanent UN Security Council members.
- The Foreign Ministry stressed the Board has no authority to revive terminated UN Security Council resolutions.
- Tehran blamed the U.S. for the current crisis, citing its 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA and military attacks on Iranian safeguarded nuclear facilities.
- Germany, France, and the U.K. have repeatedly violated the JCPOA and were complicit in attacks on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025.
Iran announced the termination of its September 9th understanding with the IAEA, which had allowed inspections at certain facilities.
- The statement highlighted Israel as the “greatest threat to global peace and security,” pointing to its possession of weapons of mass destruction and opposition to a WMD-free Middle East.
- Iran thanked countries that voted against or abstained, and vowed to defend its rights to peaceful nuclear energy.
Go deeper:
Araghchi Declares Cairo Understanding “Formally Terminated"
Neda Sajjadi - ahmad shirzadian
