The global stage is heating up! 🔥 On Thursday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'s 35-member Board of Governors passed a resolution urging Iran to amp up its cooperation with the agency. The goal? To nudge Tehran back to the negotiating table for fresh nuclear talks.
The resolution, championed by Britain, France, Germany, and the United States, came after they deemed Iran's last-minute gesture to limit its stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium as too little, too late. 🕰️
In a classic move, Iran didn't take kindly to the resolution. Historically, such critiques have seen Tehran ramping up its nuclear activities and restricting IAEA's oversight. Will history repeat itself? 🤔
Interestingly, China, Russia, and Burkina Faso voted against the resolution, while 19 countries gave it a thumbs up and 12 opted to sit this one out by abstaining. 🌍
The resolution emphasizes the urgency for Iran to explain uranium traces found at undeclared sites and to allow necessary sampling. Western nations are hopeful that by spring 2025, a comprehensive report will increase the pressure on Iran to agree to new limits on its nuclear program. 📅
If no agreement is reached, there's talk of triggering a 'snapback'—a process that could see the issue escalated to the UN Security Council and the reinstatement of sanctions lifted under the 2015 deal. 🚨
But Iran isn't just sitting around. Moments after the vote, Iranian media reported that nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami ordered the activation of various new and advanced centrifuges—machines essential for uranium enrichment. ⚙️
As one senior diplomat hinted before the vote, \"If there is a resolution, Iran will either increase its activities or reduce the agency's access.\" Looks like the geopolitical chess game continues! ♟️
Stay tuned, world travelers and culture enthusiasts—this is a story that's unfolding faster than you can pack your bags! ✈️
Reference(s):
IAEA Board passes Iran resolution as West pushes Tehran towards talks
cgtn.com
