The UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has for the first time in two decades formally declared that Iran is not complying with its nuclear obligations—marking a major escalation in the international standoff over Tehran’s atomic programme.
The IAEA board of governors issued the rare censure following mounting concerns over Iran’s uranium enrichment activities, which have brought it closer to weapons-grade capabilities.
In a defiant response broadcast on state television, Iran announced plans to establish a new uranium enrichment facility “in a secure location,” and warned of further measures to follow. Tehran insisted it had “always adhered” to its safeguard obligations and described the IAEA’s ruling as politically motivated.
The development comes amid growing speculation that Israel is considering a unilateral military strike against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure in the coming days, reportedly without the support of the United States.
The potential for conflict in the region has prompted the US State Department to order the evacuation of non-essential personnel from its embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. Washington has also authorised the voluntary departure of diplomatic staff and families from its missions in Bahrain and Kuwait.
While diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes, reports suggest that former US President Donald Trump is engaged in advanced talks with Iranian officials over a new nuclear agreement. However, Trump expressed waning confidence in reaching a deal, telling the New York Post’s “Pod Force One” podcast that he was “getting more and more less confident about” an agreement.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has ruled out any compromise on uranium enrichment, calling it “100% against the country’s interests” to abandon the activity.
Israel has voiced deep concern over any potential US-Iran agreement that allows for continued uranium enrichment, which it views as an existential threat.
As diplomatic and military tensions heighten, international observers warn that the region is edging closer to a flashpoint.
