Russia, China reject IAEA Western-backed resolution against Iran

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
17 Nov 2022 20:01

The International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) board of governors has passed a resolution criticizing Iran's "lack of cooperation".

IAEA orders Iran to "cooperate" on investigation of uranium traces

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution on Thursday urging Iran to comply with the probe involving the alleged find of uranium traces at three undeclared sites.

This is the second time that the nuclear watchdog is carrying out a motion of this kind against Iran - the last one which took place in June this year involved a motion of censure against Tehran’s alleged obstruction of inspectors.

The resolution which states it is "essential and urgent" for Iran to "act to fulfill its legal obligations," and was brought by the US, the UK, France, and Germany, was voted by 26 countries in favor, two against, five abstained, and two countries were absent.

The two countries who voted against the resolution are China and Russia.

Despite that Iran abided by all the rules and conditions set by the UN watchdog, the West's pressure over the agency robbed it of the capacity to make any sound and fair rulings.

The IAEA's lack of impartiality has made it more difficult for Iran to reach its nuclear deal with the US. The agency has accused Iran several times of lying about its nuclear activities on the basis of not having provided sufficient information about three "undeclared nuclear sites."

A report issued by the IAEA in September said it could not guarantee the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program, adding there had been "no progress" in resolving questions over the past presence of nuclear material at alleged "undeclared sites".

AEOI Spokesperson Behrouz Kamalvandi commented on the matter by saying, "The Islamic Republic of Iran has been fully cooperative regarding the three alleged sites brought up by the agency and has sent information and answers to the agency's questions and has also held meetings to resolve the ambiguity."

Knowing "Israel" has played a part in foiling the JCPOA deal, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani IAEA called on the IAEA on September 12 to "not to yield to Israel's pressure" over Tehran's nuclear activities.

Earlier this month, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian had told EU Chief Josep Borrell that an agreement for good and robust cooperation between Iran and the Agency is in the works.