US and Allies Push for UN Security Council Action Against Iran’s Nuclear Program

The United States, Britain, France, and Germany are seeking support from members of the IAEA governing board for a resolution that would refer Iran to the UN Security Council. If adopted next week by the 35-member board, this would mark the first time in 20 years that Iran has been reported to the Security Council over its nuclear program. The push follows a US-led air campaign against Tehran on February 28, during which the US and Israel destroyed or severely damaged several uranium-enrichment facilities. Since the strikes, Iran has blocked IAEA inspectors from accessing the targeted sites. The IAEA has previously expressed serious concern over Iran's 60% enriched uranium stockpile. The agency estimates that over 200 kilograms of highly enriched uranium survived the bombardments and is believed to be stored in tunnel complexes at Isfahan and the Natanz facility. Diplomats told Reuters that negotiations over the resolution's wording are ongoing, and a draft has not yet been formally presented. Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and that it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons.