Iran referred to UN Security Council for nuclear non-compliance

Image source, Vantor via Getty Images Image caption, A Vantor satellite image shows tunnel construction activity and road infrastructure near the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran. Photo: September 2025

The UN nuclear watchdog has referred Iran to the Security Council for "non-compliance" with its obligations under the non-proliferation treaty - the first such move in 20 years.

The board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution at a meeting in Vienna.

It cites a lack of information on Iran's nuclear material such as its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, and the lack of access to nuclear facilities for IAEA inspectors.

Tehran condemned the IAEA decision, blaming US and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities for disrupting inspections.

New sanctions are nonetheless unlikely because Iran's allies China and Russia have veto powers in the council.