IAEA Board Votes 23–3 to Refer Iran's Nuclear File to UN Security Council — First Referral in 20 Years

The IAEA's 35-nation Board of Governors voted 23 in favor, 3 against (Russia, China, Niger), with 8 abstentions, to adopt a resolution referring Iran's nuclear non-compliance to the UN Security Council — the first such referral in two decades. The resolution, submitted by Britain, France, Germany and the United States, follows more than a year without IAEA access to Iran's declared nuclear facilities since the June 2025 strikes; Iran's pre-war stockpile stood at roughly 440 kg of uranium enriched to 60%. Director General Rafael Grossi told the Board: 'It is more than a year since the Agency lost continuity of knowledge in relation to the previously declared inventories of [low-enriched uranium].' Iran's representative called the resolution 'completely counterproductive.' Analysts note the referral is largely symbolic since Russia and China can veto any Security Council sanctions action.