IAEA Declares Iran in Breach of Nuclear Nonproliferation Obligations

Latest Developments

• IAEA Censures Iran: The 35-member board of the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), adopted a resolution declaring that Iran is in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time since 2005. The IAEA said on June 12 that Iran had consistently failed to provide information about undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple locations. The censure could pave the way for the UN Security Council to snap back sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal.
• Tehran Threatens to Increase Enrichment: The Iranian Foreign Ministry responded to the resolution by saying that it “called into question the credibility and prestige” of the IAEA, vowing to bolster Iran’s enrichment capabilities. Tehran also announced that it will inaugurate a new enrichment facility at a secure, undisclosed location and replace its first-generation centrifuges at the Fordow enrichment facility with sixth-generation centrifuges. According to Atomic Energy Organization of Iran spokesman Behrouz Kamalvandi, the move will lead to “a significant increase in the production of enriched materials.”
• Nuclear Iran an Existential Threat: White House Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff said on June 11 that a nuclear Iran, as well as an Iran “with a large amount of missiles,” is an “existential threat to the United States, the free world and the entire [Gulf Cooperation Council],” as well as Israel. “We must stand resolute and united against this danger and ensure that Iran never obtains the means to achieve its deadly ambitions, no matter what the cost,” Witkoff declared ahead of the sixth round of nuclear negotiations in Oman on June 15. Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh earlier threatened that “all U.S. bases are within our reach and we will boldly target them in host countries.” Citing rising security concerns, the United States partially evacuated its embassy in Iraq and authorized the voluntary departure of military families across the Middle East.

FDD Expert Response

“The IAEA has delivered a sound, historic resolution against Tehran’s years of non-compliance, obfuscation, and cover-up of its nuclear weapons work. Iran has a clear choice: give up enrichment and its nuclear weapons program or face forced dismantlement via U.S. or Israeli military action. Given the regime’s planned, massive increase in its ability to make nuclear weapons fuel as retribution for the IAEA censure, military action would be completely justified to stop this imminent threat.” — Andrea Stricker, Nonproliferation and Biodefense Program Deputy Director and Research Fellow

“Iran’s response to a resolution highlighting its gross safeguards violations is to carry out another violation by inaugurating a new enrichment facility. A new facility with more advanced centrifuges is not a bid for leverage at the negotiating table but rather part of a larger strategy by the regime to advance its nuclear program while under fire from the international community.” — Behnam Ben Taleblu, Iran Program Senior Director and Senior Fellow

FDD Background and Analysis

“‘Not Acceptable to Us’: Iran Rejects U.S. Nuclear Proposal; IAEA Prepares to Censure the Regime,” FDD Flash Brief

“Why Dismantling Iran’s Nuclear Program Doesn’t Mean War,” by Janatan Sayeh

“Analysis of the IAEA’s Comprehensive Iran NPT Safeguards Report May 2025,” by David Albright, Sarah Burkhard, and Andrea Stricker

“‘They Cannot Do Anything About This’: Khamenei Belittles U.S. Nuclear Proposal,” FDD Flash Brief

“Amid New IAEA Reports, U.S. and E3 to Push Resolution Declaring Iran in Breach of Non-Proliferation Obligations,” FDD Flash Brief