The UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has referred Iran to the UN Security Council for failing to comply with its obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, marking the first such referral in two decades. The resolution, passed by the IAEA's board of governors in Vienna, cites Iran's failure to provide information on its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and its refusal to grant inspectors access to nuclear sites. Tehran has condemned the move, arguing that US and Israeli strikes on its facilities are responsible for disrupting the verification process now being used against it.

The resolution, put forward by the UK, France, Germany and the US, was supported by 23 countries, with eight abstentions, while China, Russia and Niger voted against it. Because China and Russia hold veto power on the Security Council, new sanctions against Iran are considered unlikely despite the referral. Access to Iranian nuclear sites, including Natanz and Fordo, has been blocked since Israeli and US strikes during a 12-day conflict in June 2025, with further attacks launched on 28 February. Iran maintains its nuclear programme is peaceful, though Western officials remain concerned, noting Tehran held roughly 440kg of 60%-enriched uranium at the start of the latest conflict, close to weapons-grade level.