Iran Exhibits Low-Key Reaction to UN Nuclear Censure

The Islamic Republic of Iran has thus far shown a relatively mild reaction to a censure resolution passed by the UN nuclear agency's Board of Governors condemning Tehran’s lack of cooperation.

The resolution, tabled by France, Britain, and Germany, received significant support, with 20 member states voting in favor. The two countries who voted against the resolution were Iran's allies, China and Russia. The decision saw 12 countries abstaining from the vote.

Iran's mission to the United Nations said the decision to pass a resolution against Iran by the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) board of governors was "hasty and unwise.”

The UN nuclear watchdog's 35-nation Board of Governors passed a resolution calling on Iran to step up cooperation with the watchdog and reverse its recent barring of inspectors despite concerns Tehran would respond with atomic escalation.

"The decision of the Western countries was hasty and unwise, and it will undoubtedly have a detrimental impact on the process of diplomatic engagement and constructive cooperation (between Iran and the opposing parties)," state TV cited Iran's mission to the UN.

In the days leading up to the IAEA board meeting, it was widely reported that the United States opposed the resolution tabled by France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Washington was apparently concerned that Tehran might retaliate by a major escalation of its nuclear program, marked by uranium enrichment and stockpiling of enough fissile material for several warheads.

The Biden administration embarked on multilateral talks with Iran in April 2021 that lasted 18 months without achieving a deal. At the same time, Tehran escalated its nuclear activities, which had remained largely static after the Trump administration withdrew from the JCPOA nuclear deal in 2018.

The spokesperson of Iran’s atomic energy agency responded to the IAEA resolution by a vague threat and relatively mild objections late Wednesday.

“From today, we have begun actions within the framework of safeguards. It is expected that Western countries, instead of exploiting international organizations and adopting a pressure approach, will choose the path of interaction and cooperation. Experience should have proven to them that Iran will not forgo its legitimate rights in the face of political pressures,” Behruz Kamalvandi said.

It is likely that Tehran will show a stronger and more concrete reaction after the June 28 snap presidential elections, which are expected to have low turnout due to voter disillusionment. Any escalation with Western powers or aggressive nuclear steps could heighten voter concerns about their future under the Islamic government.

Iran’s foreign ministry also condemned the Western move at the IAEA. “The Islamic Republic of Iran considers the presentation and adoption of this resolution to be a political and nonconstructive action, continuing the failed policies of certain Western countries and an attempt to politically exploit international mechanisms against independent countries.”

Despite Iran's claims of readiness to cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog, it has significantly curtailed IAEA inspections since early 2021, ramped up uranium enrichment, and refused to provide satisfactory answers regarding its past secret nuclear activities. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi traveled to Tehran in March 2023 and again before the board meeting, but achieved no real cooperation.