Russia, China and Iran have rejected a Western draft resolution before the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors that calls for referring Iran’s nuclear file to the United Nations Security Council.
In a joint statement, the three countries argued that the draft lacks a legal basis and treats the issue as a political matter rather than a technical one related to nuclear safeguards.
The statement, read by Russia’s representative, said the agenda item before the Board of Governors has no connection to the current situation, while arguing that all provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2231, adopted in 2015, expired on October 18, 2025.
Moscow, Beijing and Tehran Reject Sanctions Snapback
The three countries said attempts by the three European countries to activate the so-called sanctions snapback mechanism are invalid and lack legal legitimacy.
They also rejected a request for the IAEA director general to prepare a report on Iran’s implementation of its nuclear commitments, arguing that the request has no legal foundation and represents the politicization of an issue that should remain technical in nature.
The statement reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and its right to develop a nuclear energy program for peaceful purposes.
Criticism of Attacks on Iranian Nuclear Facilities
Russia, China and Iran also condemned repeated attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities operating under IAEA safeguards, describing them as an unprecedented development in the agency’s history and warning that they undermine the foundations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The statement argued that the current security conditions, including continued U.S. attacks on Iran, have made it practically difficult for the IAEA to carry out verification and safeguards activities normally inside Iranian territory.
The three countries criticized the draft resolution for failing to directly address the attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which they described as a fundamental factor behind the current crisis.
They also characterized a June 2025 decision that found Iran in non-compliance with its nuclear obligations as politically motivated and fabricated, arguing that it contributed to creating conditions that preceded subsequent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Call for an End to Attacks and Return to Diplomacy
Russia, China and Iran called for an immediate and permanent halt to attacks and urged efforts to prevent further escalation.
The three countries said a sustainable resolution to the Iranian nuclear crisis can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy, while calling on IAEA member states to carefully consider the consequences of the draft resolution and refrain from supporting it.
They stressed that issues related to Iran’s nuclear program should be addressed through diplomatic channels, which they described as the most viable path toward resolving the crisis.
