U.N. Nuclear Governors Censure Iran Over Atom Bomb Concerns
The 35-nation board of the U.N. nuclear watchdog censured Iran on Thursday for defying international demands to curb uranium enrichment and failing to address mounting disquiet about its suspected research into atomic bombs.
Two days after Israel ramped up threats to attack its arch-enemy Iran, the board overwhelmingly passed a resolution voicing “serious concern” about Tehran’s nuclear advances but also making clear its desire for a peaceful resolution of the row.
Russia and China joined four U.S.-led Western powers in sponsoring the resolution to display big power unity on Iran.
Only Cuba voted against. Three countries, including Egypt, abstained, according to diplomats who took part in the closed-door meeting at International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters in Vienna.
“The diplomatic pressure on Iran is increasing. The isolation is increasing,” U.S. envoy Robert Wood said.