What it’s about:
The United States and its three main European allies, France, Britain, and Germany (the “E3”), are at an impasse over whether to confront Iran at the UN nuclear watchdog with a resolution that demands greater cooperation on its nuclear activities.
Why it matters:
The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Board of Governors last passed a resolution 18 months ago demanding Iran urgently cooperate with an investigation into uranium detected at three undeclared sites. The issue still hasn’t been resolved, and Iran continues to block many IAEA inspections, increasing international tensions. This issue is particularly concerning for Israel, given the possible security implications.
Europe’s stance:
Europe is in favor of pushing for a new resolution against Iran. European diplomats argue that Iran’s increasing violations and its near-weapons-grade uranium enrichment represent unprecedented threats. There is no indication that Iran is willing to show goodwill and cooperate.
America’s stance:
Despite serious concerns over Iran’s actions, the U.S. has hesitated to support a new resolution, largely for fear of provoking Iran to escalate its activities even further. Official American positions hint at the proximity of U.S. elections as another reason for caution.
Context:
The standoff comes during heightened tensions across the Middle East. Iran has been supporting proxies attacking Israel and other Western targets, and only recently carried out a direct drone and missile assault on Israel for the first time. These aggressive behaviors emphasize Iran’s threat not just to Israel but to broader regional stability.
Complicating Factors:
The death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash has introduced further uncertainty. Diplomatic sources indicate that Iran has paused engagement with the IAEA until a new president is elected on June 28, which complicates diplomatic efforts.
Next Steps:
The E3 have prepared, but not yet circulated, a draft resolution. While European diplomats insist that the situation merits immediate action, they struggle to convince the U.S. to align with their stance. The IAEA’s next quarterly report on Iran will be pivotal, potentially influencing whether a new resolution is pursued. For Israel, steadfast U.S. support for confronting Iran remains crucial.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.