• The IAEA found Iran in breach of its nuclear obligations for the first time in 20 years.
• The resolution passed with 19 votes in favor, amid growing tensions in the Middle East.
• Iran announced it would establish a new uranium enrichment facility in response.
• The U.S. and allies called for Iran to provide answers regarding undeclared nuclear activities.
• Potential restoration of UN sanctions on Iran looms as diplomatic solutions remain uncertain.

The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has formally declared that Iran is not complying with its nuclear obligations, marking the first such finding in two decades. This declaration, which has significant ramifications for international diplomacy, could drive renewed attempts to reimpose UN sanctions on Tehran later this year, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.

In a closed-door vote, 19 out of 35 IAEA Board of Governors members supported the resolution, with only China, Russia, and Burkina Faso opposing it, while 11 countries abstained. The text of the resolution highlighted Iran's "many failures" since 2019 to cooperate fully regarding undeclared nuclear materials, raising alarms over its potential nuclear weapons capability, as outlined by Africa News and India Times.

In response to the resolution, Iran announced plans to create a new uranium enrichment facility "in a secure location" and to upgrade existing centrifuges at its Fordow site. Iranian officials asserted that they "have no choice but to respond to this political resolution," heightening the likelihood of an escalation in Iran’s nuclear activities, as noted by NPR and South China Morning Post.

Western diplomats have called on Iran to address remaining inquiries about undeclared uranium traces found at various sites within its territory. These traces have raised suspicions of a secret nuclear weapons program that Iran allegedly ceased in 2003. Failure to comply could result in further actions by the IAEA and possible referral to the UN Security Council, according to the draft resolution discussed, as highlighted by Reuters and India Times.