Iran nuclear inspections backed as Tehran seeks IAEA resolution

Iran nuclear inspections gain backing as Tehran pushes IAEA resolution to ban attacks on nuclear sites amid US-Israel pressure. Tehran, Iran – Iran is intensifying its efforts at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to secure a resolution banning attacks on nuclear facilities. The move comes just months after Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day conflict in June, which caused major destruction and heightened regional tensions.

Iran Seeks Global Ban on Attacks Against Nuclear Facilities

Iran’s top nuclear representatives have arrived in Vienna to attend the 69th General Conference of the IAEA, where they plan to present a resolution that explicitly prohibits attacks on nuclear installations. Iranian officials argue that such a measure is necessary to protect all states’ right to peaceful nuclear development.

Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), criticized the IAEA for its silence over the recent strikes. He compared the agency’s response to its strong condemnation of attacks on Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, calling it a “double standard.”

Even if the proposal is not adopted, Eslami said, the effort highlights how the UN Charter is being undermined by selective enforcement.

Western Pressure and Political Obstacles

Iranian deputy nuclear chief Behrouz Kamalvandi revealed that the US has been pressuring member states to block the motion and even threatened to reduce support for the agency. Despite this, Tehran insists there is legal precedent, citing UN Security Council Resolution 487 (1981) that condemned Israel’s strike on Iraq’s Osirak reactor.

Iran also pointed to IAEA resolutions from 1985 and 1990, which stressed the importance of protecting safeguarded nuclear facilities from military attacks.

The Legacy of the 2015 Nuclear Deal

Tensions remain high since the US withdrawal from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) under Donald Trump. Since then, the IAEA Board of Governors has passed multiple censure resolutions against Tehran. However, both US intelligence and the IAEA have not found evidence of an Iranian nuclear weapons program in 2025, further fueling debate over whether Western concerns are justified or politically motivated.

The June Conflict and Its Fallout

Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear sites on June 13, one day after the IAEA accused Tehran of failing to comply with safeguard commitments. The 12-day confrontation left more than 1,000 dead and caused billions of dollars in damages to Iran’s infrastructure. Tehran accused the IAEA of paving the way for the attacks by issuing biased reports.

Iran Resumes Inspections – But With Conditions

In Cairo last week, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the IAEA reached an agreement to restart inspections, including at bombed facilities. The decision was approved by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), which includes representatives of the supreme leader, president, parliament, and military commanders.

However, inspections will only proceed under strict oversight. The SNSC has warned that if hostile actions continue, or if the West reinstates UN sanctions through the “snapback” mechanism, all inspection arrangements will be suspended.

Hardliners Resist, But Leadership Pushes Forward

While moderates in Iran’s leadership back cooperation with the IAEA, hardliners in parliament oppose expanded inspections, fearing they could lead to more strikes.

What This Means for Global Security

Iran’s push for a resolution at the IAEA is not just about protecting its own facilities—it could set an international precedent for safeguarding civilian nuclear sites worldwide. If adopted, the resolution would strengthen international norms against targeting nuclear infrastructure during conflicts.

At the same time, the US and its allies see Iran’s move as an attempt to gain political leverage while avoiding scrutiny of its nuclear program. The outcome of this diplomatic battle in Vienna could have long-term consequences for Middle East stability, the JCPOA’s future, and the credibility of the IAEA itself.

Iran nuclear inspections.