On Nov. 18, 2011, a resolution by the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency expressed concern about Iran’s controversial nuclear program based on the latest report. Specifically, the IAEA Board of Governors:
1. Expresses deep and increasing concern about the unresolved issues regarding the Iranian nuclear program, including those which need to be clarified to exclude the existence of possible military
dimensions;
2. Stresses that it is essential for Iran and the Agency to intensify their dialogue aiming at the urgent resolution of all outstanding substantive issues for the purpose of providing clarifications regarding those issues, including access to all relevant information, documentation, sites, material, and personnel in Iran;
3. Urges Iran once again to comply fully and without delay with its obligations under relevant
resolutions of the UN Security Council, and to meet the requirements of the IAEA Board of
Governors, including the application of the modified Code 3.1 and the implementation and prompt ratification of the Additional Protocol;
4. Expresses its continuing support for a diplomatic solution, and calls on Iran to engage seriously and without preconditions in talks aimed at restoring international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, while respecting the legitimate right to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy consistent with the NPT;
5. Commends the Secretariat for its efforts to implement the NPT Safeguards Agreement in Iran, and requests the Director General to include in his progress report to the March 2012 meeting of the Board of Governors an assessment of the implementation of this resolution; and
6. Decides to remain seized of the matter.
The vote was 32 in favor, Cuba and Ecuador voted against and Indonesia abstained.
Click here for the IAEA Resolution
U.S. Reaction
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton released the following statement about the IAEA Board of Governor’s resolution:
We welcome today’s resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Board of Governors to hold Iran accountable for its failure to cooperate on its nuclear program. The world has sent a clear and unified message to Tehran that it is deeply troubled by the evidence revealed in last week’s report by Director General Amano. This report supplied the clearest confirmation of what the United States has long believed – that, despite its constant denials, Iran’s government has pursued technologies and equipment that could only be applied to a nuclear weapons program.
Iran has said that it seeks nuclear power solely for peaceful purposes. However, the Director General’s report and today’s action by the IAEA Board of Governors underscore that the international community does not find Iran’s claims credible. The P5+1 countries have affirmed Iran’s right to a peaceful nuclear program but make clear that with that right comes responsibilities – responsibilities Iran has yet to fulfill. The P5+1 remains ready to engage with Iran if Iran is genuinely prepared to engage in serious negotiations, where Iran can choose to rebuild international confidence in the nature of its nuclear program.
We commend the Director General and his staff for their thorough, detailed and professional report. In the coming weeks, we will work with our international partners to increase the pressure on Iran’s government until it decides to meet its international obligations.