The U.S. Denies Reports of Lobbying Against a Censure Resolution for the Islamic Republic at the IAEA

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, denied reports of "U.S. lobbying against a censure resolution for the Islamic Republic" at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Miller described a Wall Street Journal report on June 8, claiming that the Biden administration was trying to prevent a censure resolution against Iran at the IAEA, as "incorrect," emphasizing that the U.S. has not lobbied for a negative or abstaining vote from countries on this matter. Previously, the Wall Street Journal alleged that U.S. representatives at the agency pressured some countries to abstain, and that the U.S. itself intended to abstain. According to the Wall Street Journal, France and Britain are calling for a censure of the Islamic Republic due to its advancements in nuclear activities. The U.S. State Department spokesperson further mentioned sanctions, deterrence, and international isolation as tools of pressure on the Islamic Republic in all areas, including nuclear activities. The last resolution of this kind was passed a year and a half ago when France, Britain, Germany, and the U.S. unanimously voted for it. Media outlets have cited the U.S. opposition as stemming from fears of escalating the Islamic Republic's nuclear activities. Three major international news agencies reported on Monday that the agency stated in a report that Iran's enriched uranium reserves are nearing the level required for nuclear weapons production. According to this report, the Islamic Republic's 60% enriched uranium reserves have increased by 20.6 kg since the last quarterly report was published in March of last year, reaching over 142 kg. Uranium enriched to 60% purity is only a short technical step away from the 90% enrichment required for nuclear weapons. Iran is the only non-nuclear country in the world producing 60% enriched uranium. According to the agency's definition, Iran needs at least 42 kg of 60% enriched uranium to produce one nuclear bomb. In other words, assuming the accuracy of the figures provided by the agency, the Islamic Republic currently has enough enriched uranium to produce three nuclear bombs. The IAEA's latest report also accused the Islamic Republic of not yet reassessing its decision from September 2023 to prohibit the agency's most experienced inspectors from monitoring its nuclear program; it expects the Iranian government to carry out this action within the framework of ongoing bilateral consultations.