European powers, backed by the United States, are moving forward with a plan to censure Iran for its inadequate cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog at a board meeting starting Wednesday, diplomats told AFP.
Tensions between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have repeatedly escalated since the 2015 deal aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief fell apart.
In recent years, Tehran has reduced its cooperation with the IAEA by intensifying its nuclear activities, deactivating surveillance devices monitoring its nuclear program, and restricting access for UN inspectors.
A plan by Britain, France, and Germany, with US support, to submit a new resolution against Iran comes as concerns grow over the rapid expansion of its nuclear program, heightening fears that Tehran may be seeking to develop a nuclear weapon.
According to the IAEA, Iran is the only non-nuclear weapon state enriching uranium to 60 percent, just a short step from the 90 percent threshold needed for atomic weapons.
Iran has consistently denied seeking a nuclear weapon.
Diplomats informed AFP that the planned censure aims to increase diplomatic pressure on Iran to comply with IAEA regulations and address the agency's long-standing concerns.
'Too Little, Too Late'
A similar resolution was passed by the IAEA board in June.
According to a confidential draft of the censure seen by AFP, Western powers are asking for a "comprehensive report" to be issued by IAEA head Rafael Grossi.
The report would seek to clarify Iran's nuclear activities, including "a full account" of Tehran's cooperation with the IAEA regarding uranium traces found at undeclared sites.
The resolution, scheduled for submission on Tuesday, follows Grossi's visit to Tehran last week for talks with President Masoud Pezeshkian and other high-ranking officials.
During his visit, Grossi also toured the Natanz and Fordo uranium enrichment plants in central Iran.
"Grossi's visit to Tehran was... too little and too late to prevent a censure from the board," Kelsey Davenport, an expert with the Arms Control Association, told AFP.
Her analysis indicated that the visit represented "a missed opportunity for Pezeshkian to show that he is serious about de-escalation."
"Taking tangible steps to enhance IAEA oversight of Iran's nuclear program and addressing the agency's questions about past undeclared nuclear activities would have quelled speculation that Iran is engaged in illicit nuclear activities," Davenport said.
Trump's Return
Earlier this week, Iran expressed hope that discussions regarding its nuclear program would occur "away from political pressure and considerations."
During his meeting with Grossi, Pezeshkian indicated that Tehran was willing to resolve "doubts and ambiguities" regarding its program.
Grossi's visit was viewed as one of the last chances for diplomacy before Donald Trump returns as US president in January.
During his first term from 2017 to 2021, Trump imposed a "maximum pressure" policy against Iran.
This included Washington withdrawing from the nuclear deal reached under his predecessor, Barack Obama, in 2015.
The landmark agreement, struck with the United States, China, Russia, France, Germany, and Britain, provided Iran with sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program.
Efforts to revive the deal have so far been unsuccessful.
(with AFP)
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