Tehran rejects the resolution because it promotes “illegitimate political objectives”
MADRID, 22 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted a resolution this Thursday demanding that Iran provide explanations for its nuclear activities and asking its director general, Rafael Grossi, for a “comprehensive” report, amidst the pressure on the Islamic republic to cooperate with the agency.
The resolution, proposed by Germany, the United Kingdom, France and the United States, has been approved with 19 votes in favor, 12 abstentions and opposition from Russia, China and Burkina Faso. The Board of this nuclear agency linked to the United Nations considers “essential and urgent” that Iran provide explanations about the traces of uranium and allow the IAEA to take samples if necessary.
Thus, the resolution asks the agency to issue “a comprehensive and updated assessment on the possible presence or use of undeclared nuclear material in relation to past and present outstanding issues related to Iran’s nuclear program, including a full description of the Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA on these issues.
IAEA inspectors have long sought answers from Tehran about nuclear traces that point to undeclared facilities or secret past activities, but its continued refusal to explain has raised the board’s “deep concern.”
Although the latter cannot impose sanctions, according to the German news agency DPA, Western countries consider that Grossi’s report would allow the matter to be raised to the United Nations Security Council, which does have authority.
For their part, Iranian authorities have condemned the resolution, alleging that it is “politically motivated.” In a joint statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry and the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization have accused Western countries, which promoted the ruling, of seeking “politically illegitimate objectives” against the Islamic Republic.