The board of governors of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which comprises 35 nations, has passed a resolution criticizing Iran for insufficient cooperation with the agency.

This decision came after heated discussions and follows a similar censure from June.

Sponsored by Britain, France, Germany, and the United States, the resolution highlights escalating concerns about Iran's nuclear program, suspected by some of aiming to develop a nuclear weapon—a claim Iran denies.

The resolution was passed with 19 votes in favor, while Russia, China, and Burkina Faso voted against it, and 12 countries abstained.

Before the vote, the United States and European allies condemned Iran for its nuclear activities and emphasized that Iran’s behavior could threaten international security.

The resolution demands that Iran comply with legal obligations, provide explanations for uranium traces at undeclared sites, and submit a comprehensive nuclear report by spring 2025.

This vote comes amid Iran's steps to reduce transparency with the IAEA by deactivating surveillance devices and limiting inspector access, while simultaneously increasing enriched uranium stockpiles.

The resolution coincides with IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi’s recent visit to Tehran, where Iran agreed to limit its enriched uranium to 60% purity.

The 2015 nuclear agreement, intended to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, fell apart after the U.S. exit in 2018.

Iran responded by amplifying its nuclear activities, exceeding permitted enrichment levels.

Though largely symbolic, the resolution aims to increase diplomatic pressure on Iran.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the resolution, warning it could affect interactions with the IAEA, though he expressed continued willingness to cooperate.

Meanwhile, experts warn of potential retaliation or increased enrichment activities from Iran, though major strategic changes are not expected.