UN Nuclear Watchdog Declares Iran in Breach of Non-Proliferation Deal as Tensions Escalate Ahead of US Talks

 Vienna/Tehran | June 12, 2025 The United Nations' nuclear watchdog on Thursday declared Iran to be in violation of its international non-proliferation commitments, prompting a swift and defiant response from Tehran. The move comes just days ahead of a scheduled round of U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations in Oman, set for Sunday.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors passed a resolution citing Iran’s failure to comply with its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), marking the first such formal censure in nearly two decades. The development raises the prospect of referring Iran's case to the UN Security Council, a move that could significantly escalate diplomatic tensions in the region.

In response, Iran announced a series of countermeasures, including plans to establish a new uranium enrichment facility. Details regarding the location and specifications of the proposed site have not been disclosed. State television in Iran reported that the country had also begun upgrading centrifuges at its Fordow enrichment plant from first to sixth generation—a move expected to substantially increase enriched uranium output.

Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, confirmed to state media that Tehran had formally informed the IAEA of its measures, describing them as a direct consequence of the agency’s resolution.

Enriched uranium can be used both for civilian nuclear energy production and, at higher levels of purity, for weapons. While Iran insists its programme is entirely peaceful, Western powers remain concerned about its potential military dimensions.

The IAEA’s censure follows years of growing friction since then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, during his first term. The collapse of that agreement has led to renewed mistrust and increased uranium enrichment activity by Iran.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday raised the stakes further by announcing the redeployment of American personnel from certain locations in the Middle East, citing rising regional instability. "It could be a dangerous place," Trump said, adding that Iran would not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon under any circumstances.

The regional atmosphere remains tense amid the ongoing Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas, which erupted in October 2023. Oil prices briefly surged following Trump's remarks before stabilizing later in the day. Despite the turmoil, foreign energy firms operating in southern Iraq reported no disruption to activities, according to a senior Iraqi official.

Diplomatic sources confirmed that Iran and the U.S. will resume nuclear negotiations in Oman this Sunday, in what will be the sixth round of dialogue. Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi stated that Muscat remains committed to facilitating peaceful dialogue.

Speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, a senior Iranian official reiterated Tehran’s commitment to its right to nuclear enrichment under the NPT. “We will not yield to pressure,” the official said, adding that a “friendly country” had warned Tehran of possible Israeli strikes on its nuclear infrastructure.

“We prefer diplomacy and seek no conflict. However, our armed forces are fully prepared to respond decisively to any military aggression,” the official emphasized.

Amid these developments, Iranian state media reported that the country's armed forces had commenced military exercises ahead of schedule, focusing specifically on monitoring and responding to "enemy movements" in the region.

As tensions mount, the international community watches closely to see whether upcoming diplomatic efforts in Oman can prevent a deeper crisis from unfolding in the Middle East.