Appreciation for Ongoing Efforts
The representatives from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States express their gratitude to the Director General for the recent reports and commend the Agency’s unwavering commitment to enforcing safeguards in Iran and ensuring compliance with pertinent United Nations Security Council resolutions. We reaffirm our steadfast support for the Agency’s professional, independent, and impartial operations, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the global safeguards framework established under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Critical Developments in Iran’s Nuclear Situation
This meeting of the Board occurs at a pivotal moment in addressing the Iranian nuclear issue. In June, following Iran’s non-compliance with its NPT Safeguards Agreement, the Board adopted a resolution urging Iran to fulfil its legal commitments and restore full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It specifically demanded that Iran take immediate action to rectify its non-compliance and grant the Agency the necessary access to verify the status of its nuclear programme.
Regrettable Lack of Cooperation
Three months on, it is disheartening to note that Iran has once again opted to overlook the concerns raised by this Board. The Director General’s report clearly outlines the extent of Iran’s violations: throughout the reporting period, the Agency has not received any information from Iran regarding its declared nuclear facilities and material. Additionally, Iran continues to obstruct inspections, denying the IAEA access to any declared nuclear sites since June. We echo the Director General’s deep concern regarding the Agency’s lack of access and the absence of information pertaining to Iran’s fourth declared enrichment facility in Isfahan, which has yet to be precisely located, let alone inspected or reviewed for design information.
Concerning Verification Issues
Due to Iran’s refusal to engage with the Agency, it has been reported that the IAEA is unable to verify whether there has been any diversion of nuclear material. It is alarming for all Members of this Board that for over a year, the Agency has lost all visibility over Iran’s stockpile of High Enriched Uranium. The Director General’s report indicates that the lack of access to verify this material “raises concerns regarding proliferation and compliance with Iran’s NPT Safeguards Agreement, which must be addressed urgently.”
Persistent Non-Compliance with Safeguards
This report also serves as a stark reminder of Iran’s ongoing history of non-cooperation with the Agency. Iran continues to refuse dialogue concerning unresolved safeguards issues and has yet to implement modified Code 3.1 of its NPT Safeguards Agreement, in clear violation of its legal obligations, while simultaneously developing new facilities. Moreover, Iran persists in disregarding Security Council and Board resolutions that call for the immediate implementation and ratification of its Additional Protocol.
Legal Obligations and Future Steps
A year ago, the Security Council reinstated six resolutions that, among other stipulations, require Iran to suspend all activities related to uranium enrichment, reprocessing, and heavy water projects, with verification by the IAEA. Despite Iran’s attempts to question their legitimacy, the provisions of these resolutions remain a clear and enforceable reality. It is regrettable that the Agency has been unable to verify Iran’s adherence to these obligations.
Safety Concerns and Verification Readiness
We acknowledge that safety concerns have impacted the Agency’s verification activities in Iran. However, the Agency has consistently stated that there are no current technical or nuclear safety reasons preventing inspectors from accessing affected nuclear facilities. The Agency stands ready to resume its safeguards activities in Iran on short notice. We wish to emphasise that safeguards obligations are non-negotiable and that the implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement cannot be suspended under any circumstances.
Addressing the Director General’s Findings
This Board must not overlook the serious implications outlined in the Director General’s report. No State under the NPT should be permitted to obstruct the IAEA or disregard the numerous resolutions adopted by this Board and the Security Council. The draft resolution proposed by the United States and the E3 is intended to fulfill the procedural requirement under the IAEA Statute following the non-compliance determination made by this Board in June 2025. The Board has demonstrated patience and prudence in delaying this mandatory action for over a year to allow Iran further opportunities to advance and fulfil its safeguards obligations. It is regrettable that Iran has not capitalised on these opportunities, despite the considerable efforts made by the Director General to engage with Iran and address its concerns.
Looking Ahead with Hope
As we take this step to honour the Board’s obligations under the Statute and maintain the integrity of the safeguards regime, we remain hopeful that, as evidenced in other discussions within the Board this week, Iran may choose a different course and engage constructively with the Agency to address the Board’s longstanding concerns, thereby providing the necessary transparency to foster confidence in the nature of its nuclear programme.
Request for Resolution Adoption
In conclusion, should the proposed resolution, GOV/2026/60, be adopted, we kindly request that it be de-restricted.
Thank you.