UN nuclear agency members draft resolution reporting Iran to the UN Security Council

The United States, Britain, France, and Germany have drafted a resolution to potentially refer Iran to the U.N. Security Council for not complying with nuclear nonproliferation obligations. These obligations require Iran to declare all nuclear materials and activities and allow inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This move follows a 2025 IAEA finding of Iran’s noncompliance, coinciding with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. If referred, the Security Council could impose sanctions, but action is unlikely due to veto powers held by Iran’s allies, Russia and China. The draft resolution supports a diplomatic solution and encourages engagement in diplomacy. It is still under negotiation and may change before being voted on at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna. Diplomats have delayed the referral to allow for diplomatic efforts. QUESTION: How might the involvement of countries with veto power, like Russia and China, influence the outcome of international decisions on Iran’s nuclear activities?