The UN nuclear watchdog formally declared Iran non-compliant with its nuclear obligations, prompting Iran to announce new enrichment plans and escalating tensions that may lead to renewed sanctions.

The board of governors of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), formally determined on Thursday that Iran is not fulfilling its nuclear obligations—a significant development that marks the first such finding in two decades. This decision has the potential to escalate already strained relations between Tehran and the international community, and it could trigger a process to reinstate United Nations sanctions on Iran later this year if the situation deteriorates further. The move reflects deepening concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities and its failure to cooperate with international oversight efforts.

In an immediate and defiant response to the resolution, Iran announced plans to construct a new uranium enrichment facility in what it described as “a secure location,” away from potential external threats. The Iranian government also hinted at additional retaliatory steps, stating that “other measures are also being planned.” These remarks were delivered in a joint statement issued by the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. The statement strongly condemned the resolution, describing it as a political maneuver, and asserted that “the Islamic Republic of Iran has no choice but to respond to this political resolution.” The response underlines Iran’s growing resistance to international pressure and signals a further decline in diplomatic engagement over its nuclear program.

Details of the closed-door vote by the IAEA’s 35-member board were provided by diplomats who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the proceedings. According to these sources, 19 countries voted in favor of the resolution, while three—Russia, China, and Burkina Faso—voted against it. An additional 11 countries abstained, and two did not participate in the vote at all. The vote highlights the divisions among IAEA member states, with some aligning closely with Western nations concerned about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while others continue to support Tehran or prefer a more cautious approach.

The resolution itself, as outlined in a draft obtained by The Associated Press, renews the agency’s longstanding call for Iran to provide immediate and credible explanations for the presence of uranium particles at several undeclared locations. These sites have not been officially recognized by Tehran as part of its nuclear program, and Iranian authorities have thus far failed to offer satisfactory answers about their origin. The uranium traces were detected during routine inspections by IAEA officials, and their presence has raised serious questions about the possible existence of clandestine nuclear activities.

Western officials believe that the findings may point to evidence of a covert Iranian nuclear weapons program that was active until at least 2003. Although Iran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons and insists its nuclear program is entirely peaceful and for civilian purposes, the unresolved nature of these inquiries continues to fuel suspicion and mistrust among international stakeholders. The lack of transparency has been a major point of contention, undermining confidence in Iran’s commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and its agreements with the IAEA.

The resolution was spearheaded by four Western powers—France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States—who have long expressed concern over Iran’s nuclear trajectory and its non-compliance with monitoring protocols. These nations have been at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities, including through the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which Iran has increasingly breached since the U.S. withdrew from the agreement in 2018. The reintroduction of a critical resolution by these key nations signals their continued resolve to hold Iran accountable and to press for greater transparency and cooperation.

This latest development adds a new layer of complexity to the already volatile situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. If Iran continues to defy international oversight and expands its nuclear activities in retaliation, the possibility of a broader diplomatic or even military confrontation could increase. At the same time, the resolution may serve as a catalyst for renewed dialogue, depending on how Tehran chooses to respond in the coming weeks and months.