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European Union

EU Delays Push to Refer Iran to UN Security Council on Nuclear Program

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Diplomats in Vienna have delayed a vote on a motion to refer Iran to the UN Security Council over its nuclear program, citing concerns about strong opposition from a dozen member nations, including Russia and China. This decision comes as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board meeting concludes, with a new EU draft motion expected to be introduced, but any vote on referral pushed to a future session. Meanwhile, the US has expressed support for the motion, citing Iran's non-compliance with board demands to freeze uranium enrichment activities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Union has decided to postpone its push to refer Iran to the UN Security Council over its nuclear program, driven by concerns about strong opposition from a dozen member nations, including Russia and China.
  • A new EU draft motion does not mention Security Council sanctions but calls for reporting Iran to the council if it continues defying board demands, including freezing activities related to uranium enrichment.
  • The motion is expected to be introduced at the IAEA meeting, but any vote on referral will come only at a future session, at the earliest in November.
  • The US has expressed support for the motion, with US delegation head Gregory Schulte stating that "the time has come to report Iran's non-compliance to the Security Council."
  • China is described as "rigid in its opposition," but a European official believes Russia can be gained at a later date to support the referral.
  • The decision to postpone referral is seen as suiting Washington, which does not want to lose a Security Council battle against veto-carrying members Russia and China.

Statistics:

  • 35 IAEA member nations are meeting in Vienna.
  • 12 of these nations, including Russia and China, are against the idea of referring Iran to the UN Security Council.
  • Iran has defied IAEA board demands, including ordering it to freeze activities related to uranium enrichment.
  • The earliest date for a vote on referral is November, when the IAEA board meets again.
  • The US delegation has lobbied board members for action on the motion, with Gregory Schulte urging the board to do its duty.

Sources:

  • Reuters, "EU delays push to refer Iran to UN Security Council", September 28, 2005
  • The Associated Press, "EU delays bid to refer Iran to UN Security Council", no publication date mentioned

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