WANA (Jun 09) – The quarterly meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors kicked off on Monday morning, June 9, in Vienna with representatives from 35 member states in attendance. The meeting comes amid escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and growing speculation that an anti-Iran resolution may be adopted.

 

Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s envoy to international organizations in Vienna, confirmed the start of the meeting and warned that the European troika (Germany, France, and the UK), with U.S. backing, has submitted a draft resolution against Iran. He noted that such a move would not only complicate ongoing talks but would also yield no positive outcome.

 

Key Agenda: Iran Reports and Nuclear Transparency Disputes

According to the IAEA’s published agenda, the session will cover annual reports, technical cooperation, the election of new Board members, and most importantly, an assessment of Iran’s compliance with its safeguards obligations and UN Security Council Resolution 2231. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi is expected to present an updated report today and respond to journalists’ questions at a press briefing.

 

In his latest report, Grossi claims that Iran’s stockpile of 60% enriched uranium has increased and once again raises concerns about “undeclared nuclear material” at Iranian sites—allegations Tehran has denied, calling the report “a blatant deviation from the agency’s technical and impartial mandate.”

 

Joint Statement by Iran’s Foreign Ministry and Atomic Energy Organization on Grossi’s Report

WANA (May 31) – The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran issued a joint statement today regarding the report of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The statement emphasizes that if certain countries attempt to misuse Iran’s cooperation with the IAEA or exploit the current […]

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Meanwhile, Rafael Grossi, in a post on social media platform X coinciding with the start of the IAEA Board of Governors meeting, raised new allegations against Iran’s nuclear program. He wrote:

 

“Over the past months, I have been closely engaged with both Iran and the United States in support of their negotiations. Last week, I traveled to Cairo, where I met with the foreign ministers of Egypt and Iran, as well as the President of Egypt.”

 

Grossi, stressing that the Agency would play a key role in verifying any new agreement, claimed:
“We remain engaged with Iran, but unresolved safeguards issues persist. Iran must urgently provide credible technical answers to clarify the presence of undeclared nuclear material and activities.”

 

A Resolution Meant to Apply ‘Political Pressure,’ Not Solve the Issue?

The Associated Press, citing a draft copy it has reviewed, reported that the resolution accuses Iran of failing to meet its safeguards commitments. It also notes that the agency’s inability to provide assurances about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program has sparked concerns that could eventually lead to the issue being referred to the UN Security Council.

 

However, a senior Western diplomat told the AP that the resolution does not currently refer Iran’s case to the Security Council. “The door to diplomacy remains open,” the diplomat said. “The goal is to get Iran to finally answer questions that have remained unresolved for six years.”

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, attended an exhibition showcasing Iran’s latest achievements in nuclear technology at the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) on April 17, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Iran’s Firm Response: The Resolution Will Have Consequences

Reacting to these developments, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that the adoption of any resolution against Iran at the Board of Governors would trigger reciprocal measures by Tehran, both regarding its nuclear activities and cooperation with the agency. He dismissed the idea of referring the case to the Security Council as “a farce,” noting that some of the allegations date back 25 years and lack justification for politicization.

 

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei accused the agency of bowing to Western political pressure, saying: “We’ve taken cooperative steps over the past two years, but instead of continuing engagement, the IAEA—under U.S. and European influence—has issued biased reports.” He added, “Confrontation will not be met with cooperation,” warning that Iran has prepared a range of retaliatory measures.

 

Outlook: Uncertainty over Resolution, Backchannel Talks Continue

While the IAEA meeting opened in a tense atmosphere, Western sources say the United States continues to pursue indirect negotiations with Iran, mediated by Oman. This simultaneous push for pressure through the Board and diplomacy behind the scenes highlights the West’s dual-track approach toward Iran.

 

The current session will continue through Friday, June 13, and its developments are expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of Iran–IAEA relations and the broader international discourse surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program.