Iran was issued a reprimand by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog agency on Wednesday for denying inspectors access to its uranium enrichment program.
The resolution, cautiously worded after the United States intervened to avoid escalating tensions in the already turbulent Middle East, was put forth by France, Britain, and Germany.
Experts estimate that Tehran is close to achieving the capability to produce bomb-grade fuel for approximately three nuclear weapons within days or weeks, though converting them into warheads could take longer, possibly a year or more.
France, Britain, and Germany sponsored the resolution in reaction to Iran’s nuclear program advancements over the past year and the Iranian government’s reluctance to cooperate with the agency.
The resolution was approved by the 35-member board of the International Atomic Energy Agency, a United Nations body, with 20 votes in favor, 12 abstentions, and two against. The dissenting votes came from Russia and China.
Russia, with close security ties to Iran, has been known to purchase Iranian drones for the conflict in Ukraine. Meanwhile, China, a key economic ally, assists Iran in evading sanctions by buying its oil at a reduced rate.
