Iran dropped a plan at the UN nuclear watchdog that called for a ban on attacks against nuclear sites. Officials said the United States pressured many countries not to support the move.
Iran and allies like Russia, China, Belarus, Nicaragua, and Venezuela had drafted the proposal. It condemned Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during the 12-day war in June 2025.
Iran’s ambassador Reza Najafi told the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that several member nations faced US threats. Diplomats said Washington warned it might cut voluntary funding for IAEA programs if the resolution passed. Many developing countries feared losing technical help and backed away.
The draft said any attack on protected nuclear sites breaks international law and threatens global peace. It warned that such actions weaken the nuclear non-proliferation system.
Iran has now agreed to a new cooperation plan with the IAEA after suspending ties during the conflict. At the same time, the UN Security Council will vote on Friday on possible new sanctions over Iran’s nuclear program. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he has offered Europe a fair proposal to avoid the penalties.
