‘Unjustified, groundless and cruel’: Iran slams U.N. nuclear watchdog’s historic breach finding as Middle East braces for Israeli strike

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found Iran in violation of its nuclear obligations for the first time in two decades, according to a resolution obtained by The Washington Post. The development marks a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and international nuclear monitoring bodies.

The resolution, which was voted on Thursday by the IAEA’s board of governors, cited multiple undeclared locations where nuclear material and activities were detected. These findings have prevented the agency from verifying whether Iran has diverted nuclear material that should be under safeguards.

Iran’s response was swift and confrontational, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei condemning the move as “unjustified, groundless and cruel.” Tehran has promised to take appropriate measures to protect its interests and what it describes as its peaceful nuclear energy program.

U.S. reduces Middle East presence as nuclear talks stall

The diplomatic crisis unfolds as the United States begins withdrawing military and diplomatic personnel from various Middle East locations, prompted by concerns about a potential Israeli strike against Iran. The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has authorized the departure of nonessential staff, while the Pentagon has approved the relocation of military families from the region.

The IAEA’s decision follows a recent report indicating Iran has accumulated additional stockpiles of near-weapons-grade uranium. The resolution was jointly proposed by Britain, France, Germany, and the United States, highlighting unified Western concern over Iran’s nuclear activities.

Bilateral negotiations between the United States and Iran appear to have reached an impasse, with a sixth round of talks scheduled for Sunday in Oman. The discussions aim to establish an agreement that would restrict Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for comprehensive sanctions relief. However, Iran’s supreme leader has recently dismissed the U.S. negotiating position as “nonsense.”

The core dispute centers on Iran’s domestic uranium enrichment rights. Iranian officials have established this as a non-negotiable condition, while the U.S. position has fluctuated between demanding zero enrichment and suggesting support for limited enrichment capabilities. This fundamental disagreement continues to hinder progress in negotiations, contributing to mounting regional tensions.