For the First Time in 20 Years, Iran Reported to UN Security Council Over Nuclear Programme

The Board of Governors of the 35 member states of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has adopted a resolution officially referring Iran to the UN Security Council over its nuclear ‘non-compliance’. This diplomatic step aims to increase pressure on Tehran and represents the first such action in 20 years.

The IAEA, the UN’s nuclear watchdog, has lacked access to Iran’s key nuclear facilities since Israel and the United States launched a 12-day conflict in June 2025, which included strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran’s nuclear facilities were also impacted by the recent war that broke out on 28 February, and the IAEA has repeatedly urged for access to be granted.

According to news agencies AFP and Al Arabiya on Thursday (10/09/2026), the IAEA resolution was adopted on Wednesday (09/09) local time with 23 votes in favour, three against, and eight abstentions. The opposing votes were cast by Russia, China, and Niger.

These nations have