Driving the news:
The IAEA Board of Governors on Thursday approved a resolution drafted by Britain, France, and Germany—with U.S. support—calling on Iran to fully comply with the Additional Protocol and provide comprehensive information on enriched uranium stockpiles and safeguarded facilities. The measure passed with 19 votes in favor, 12 abstentions, and 3 against.
Why it matters:
Beijing’s sharp criticism signals widening fractures within the IAEA Board, revives scrutiny of recent U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, and underscores growing concerns that Western censure could derail diplomatic momentum following the September Cairo understanding between Iran and the IAEA.
The big picture:
China directly linked the deteriorating Iranian nuclear situation to military strikes by Israel and the United States earlier this year—attacks carried out against safeguarded Iranian nuclear facilities. Beijing argues these actions fundamentally altered the nuclear landscape and should have been met with strong international condemnation instead of further pressure on Iran.
What he is saying:
Li Song, China’s permanent representative to the IAEA, told the Board of Governors on Thursday:
“Countries that have recklessly resorted to the use of force and obsessively pursued confrontation and pressure are responsible for the current situation of the Iranian nuclear issue.”
He stressed that Israel and the United States attacked Iranian nuclear facilities safeguarded by the IAEA in June, “leading to a fundamental change in the situation of the Iranian nuclear issue.”
“Such an act should be strongly condemned by the international community and the IAEA,” he said.
On the Cairo agreement reached between Iran and the IAEA in September, Li emphasized it was “a positive development” and “an important opportunity” to fully revive safeguards cooperation.
He said the activation of the snapback mechanism by the UK, France, and Germany had “seriously undermined the good momentum of cooperation” between Tehran and the Agency.
Li added that the Iranian nuclear issue “can only be properly resolved” by respecting Iran’s legitimate NPT rights and ensuring the peaceful nature of its program through political, diplomatic, and safeguards mechanisms.
He called on the Board to “create favorable conditions for cooperation and dialogue” and to avoid “provoking confrontation.”
Catch up quick:
June military attacks: Israel launched strikes on Iranian territory—including safeguarded nuclear facilities—on June 23.
U.S. direct strikes: On June 21 (July 1 local time), the U.S. joined Israel's attacks, with attacks on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites.
Iran’s response: Iran’s armed forces retaliated, prompting Washington on July 3 to announce a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
Iran’s position: Tehran reiterated it had not initiated the conflict and said it would halt responses “if the Israeli regime ends its illegal aggression.”
State of play:
The newly approved resolution increases pressure on Iran ahead of the next round of inspections and diplomatic engagements, while deepening the divide between Western governments and countries such as China that oppose coercive approaches.
Go deeper:
Iran Denounces IAEA Resolution as Political Cover for US–EU Failures
Zohre Khazaee - ahmad shirzadian
