Western countries, including Germany, criticize Iran for unexplained nuclear finds. Tehran announces a "strong and appropriate response".
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has issued a resolution criticizing Iran by a large majority. The Board of Governors criticized the Islamic Republic for failing to explain the discovery of uranium particles at unmarked sites. The board called on Tehran to cooperate "fully and promptly" with the agency to resolve these outstanding issues.
The rebuke will not result in sanctions or other consequences. However, it has high symbolic value. It is the first such criticism of Iran since June 2020. Of the 35 council members, 30 voted in favor of the resolution. Russia and China voted against it, while India, Libya, and Pakistan abstained.
Israel: Iran is deceiving the international community
The resolution was introduced by Germany, France, Great Britain, and the USA. After its adoption, the countries jointly declared that the step sent "an unambiguous message that Iran must comply with its legal obligations and provide technically convincing clarifications on all outstanding cases.".
Israel also welcomed the resolution: "The Council's decision is a first and necessary step towards ensuring that Iran complies with the monitoring regime again," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Iran has never given up on acquiring nuclear weapons. For this reason, Tehran is violating international agreements and deceiving the international community.
Iran: A tough but appropriate response
Just hours before the resolution was passed, Iran deactivated two IAEA surveillance cameras. These had been installed as part of the 2015 nuclear deal. The resolution itself condemned Tehran, claiming it was based on disinformation "fabricated by the Zionist regime." A Foreign Ministry spokesman announced on Thursday a "strong and appropriate response.".
Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin also spoke by telephone on Wednesday. According to a Kremlin statement, both leaders reaffirmed the need to reach an agreement in the ongoing nuclear negotiations.
