Latest news with #SafeguardsAgreement
a day ago
- Politics
UN nuclear agency members draft resolution accusing Iran of failing to meet obligations
VIENNA -- Western nations are planning to table a resolution at a meeting of the U.N.'s nuclear agency that will find Iran in non-compliance with its so-called safeguards obligations for the first time in 20 years, a senior western diplomat said Thursday. The move comes at a sensitive time as U.S. President Donald Trump's administration seeks to reach a deal with Tehran to limit its nuclear program. The two sides have held several rounds of talks, so far without agreement. A draft resolution, jointly tabled by France, the U.K. and Germany, known as the E3, together with the United States, was circulated today after a final sign-off by Washington. The State Department did not immediately comment. The draft resolution, which was seen by The Associated Press, says: 'Iran's many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran ... constitutes non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement.' The draft resolution furthermore finds that the IAEA's 'inability ... to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful gives rise to questions that are within the competence of the United Nations Security Council, as the organ bearing the main responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.' It requests IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi 'to continue his efforts to implement this and previous resolutions and to report again, including any further developments on the issues." The text of the draft may change before it is formally tabled, as board members have the opportunity to suggest amendments. Under the so-called safeguards obligations, that are part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran is legally bound to declare all nuclear material and activities and allow IAEA inspectors to verify that none of it is being diverted from peaceful uses. In the IAEA's 'comprehensive report' that was circulated among members states last weekend, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said that Iran's cooperation with the agency has 'been less than satisfactory' when it comes to uranium traces discovered by agency inspectors at several locations in Iran that Tehran has failed to declare as nuclear sites. The IAEA has been seeking answers from Iran regarding the origin and current location of the nuclear material since 2019. Western officials suspect that the uranium traces discovered by the IAEA could provide evidence that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program until 2003. Iran denies ever having had a nuclear weapons program and says its program is entirely peaceful. The senior western diplomat called the resolution a 'serious step,' but added that western nations are 'not closing the door to diplomacy on this issue.' 'The objective of the resolution is for Iran to resolve the issue,' the source added, which is why the resolution will not immediately refer Iran's non-compliance to the U.N. Security Council to consider triggering more sanctions. 'They will have a window to finally comply and respond to all the requests that have been made over the last six years.' The board of governors 'stresses its support for a diplomatic solution to the problems posed by the Iranian nuclear programme, leading to an agreement that addresses all international concerns related to Iran's nuclear activities, encouraging all parties to constructively engage in diplomacy,' the draft resolution reads. However, if Iran fails to cooperate, an extraordinary IAEA board meeting will likely be held in the summer, during which another resolution could get passed that will refer the issue to the Security Council, the senior diplomat said. The three European nations have threatened in the past to reinstate sanctions that have been lifted under the original 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which expires on Oct. 18. Iran has previously retaliated to resolutions passed by the agency's board by further expanding its nuclear program and banning inspectors. Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned the IAEA against taking any 'politically-motivated action' by some board members, as this could undermine cooperation between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog, he wrote in a post on X. —-
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
UN nuclear agency members draft resolution accusing Iran of failing to meet obligations
VIENNA (AP) — Western nations are planning to table a resolution at a meeting of the U.N.'s nuclear agency that will find Iran in non-compliance with its so-called safeguards obligations for the first time in 20 years, a senior western diplomat said Thursday. The move comes at a sensitive time as U.S. President Donald Trump's administration seeks to reach a deal with Tehran to limit its nuclear program. The two sides have held several rounds of talks, so far without agreement. A draft resolution, jointly tabled by France, the U.K. and Germany, known as the E3, together with the United States, was circulated today after a final sign-off by Washington. The State Department did not immediately comment. The draft resolution, which was seen by The Associated Press, says: 'Iran's many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran … constitutes non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement.' The draft resolution furthermore finds that the IAEA's 'inability … to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful gives rise to questions that are within the competence of the United Nations Security Council, as the organ bearing the main responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.' It requests IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi 'to continue his efforts to implement this and previous resolutions and to report again, including any further developments on the issues.' The text of the draft may change before it is formally tabled, as board members have the opportunity to suggest amendments. Under the so-called safeguards obligations, that are part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran is legally bound to declare all nuclear material and activities and allow IAEA inspectors to verify that none of it is being diverted from peaceful uses. In the IAEA's 'comprehensive report' that was circulated among members states last weekend, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said that Iran's cooperation with the agency has 'been less than satisfactory' when it comes to uranium traces discovered by agency inspectors at several locations in Iran that Tehran has failed to declare as nuclear sites. The IAEA has been seeking answers from Iran regarding the origin and current location of the nuclear material since 2019. Western officials suspect that the uranium traces discovered by the IAEA could provide evidence that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program until 2003. Iran denies ever having had a nuclear weapons program and says its program is entirely peaceful. The senior western diplomat called the resolution a 'serious step,' but added that western nations are 'not closing the door to diplomacy on this issue.' 'The objective of the resolution is for Iran to resolve the issue,' the source added, which is why the resolution will not immediately refer Iran's non-compliance to the U.N. Security Council to consider triggering more sanctions. 'They will have a window to finally comply and respond to all the requests that have been made over the last six years.' The board of governors 'stresses its support for a diplomatic solution to the problems posed by the Iranian nuclear programme, leading to an agreement that addresses all international concerns related to Iran's nuclear activities, encouraging all parties to constructively engage in diplomacy,' the draft resolution reads. However, if Iran fails to cooperate, an extraordinary IAEA board meeting will likely be held in the summer, during which another resolution could get passed that will refer the issue to the Security Council, the senior diplomat said. The three European nations have threatened in the past to reinstate sanctions that have been lifted under the original 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which expires on Oct. 18. Iran has previously retaliated to resolutions passed by the agency's board by further expanding its nuclear program and banning inspectors. Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned the IAEA against taking any 'politically-motivated action' by some board members, as this could undermine cooperation between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog, he wrote in a post on X. —- The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. —- Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape:
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
UN nuclear agency members draft resolution accusing Iran of failing to meet obligations
VIENNA (AP) — Western nations are planning to table a resolution at a meeting of the U.N.'s nuclear agency that will find Iran in non-compliance with its so-called safeguards obligations for the first time in 20 years, a senior western diplomat said Thursday. The move comes at a sensitive time as U.S. President Donald Trump's administration seeks to reach a deal with Tehran to limit its nuclear program. The two sides have held several rounds of talks, so far without agreement. A draft resolution, jointly tabled by France, the U.K. and Germany, known as the E3, together with the United States, was circulated today after a final sign-off by Washington. The State Department did not immediately comment. The draft resolution, which was seen by The Associated Press, says: 'Iran's many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran ... constitutes non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement.' The draft resolution furthermore finds that the IAEA's 'inability ... to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful gives rise to questions that are within the competence of the United Nations Security Council, as the organ bearing the main responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.' It requests IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi 'to continue his efforts to implement this and previous resolutions and to report again, including any further developments on the issues." The text of the draft may change before it is formally tabled, as board members have the opportunity to suggest amendments. Under the so-called safeguards obligations, that are part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran is legally bound to declare all nuclear material and activities and allow IAEA inspectors to verify that none of it is being diverted from peaceful uses. In the IAEA's 'comprehensive report' that was circulated among members states last weekend, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said that Iran's cooperation with the agency has 'been less than satisfactory' when it comes to uranium traces discovered by agency inspectors at several locations in Iran that Tehran has failed to declare as nuclear sites. The IAEA has been seeking answers from Iran regarding the origin and current location of the nuclear material since 2019. Western officials suspect that the uranium traces discovered by the IAEA could provide evidence that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program until 2003. Iran denies ever having had a nuclear weapons program and says its program is entirely peaceful. The senior western diplomat called the resolution a 'serious step,' but added that western nations are 'not closing the door to diplomacy on this issue.' 'The objective of the resolution is for Iran to resolve the issue,' the source added, which is why the resolution will not immediately refer Iran's non-compliance to the U.N. Security Council to consider triggering more sanctions. 'They will have a window to finally comply and respond to all the requests that have been made over the last six years.' The board of governors 'stresses its support for a diplomatic solution to the problems posed by the Iranian nuclear programme, leading to an agreement that addresses all international concerns related to Iran's nuclear activities, encouraging all parties to constructively engage in diplomacy,' the draft resolution reads. However, if Iran fails to cooperate, an extraordinary IAEA board meeting will likely be held in the summer, during which another resolution could get passed that will refer the issue to the Security Council, the senior diplomat said. The three European nations have threatened in the past to reinstate sanctions that have been lifted under the original 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which expires on Oct. 18. Iran has previously retaliated to resolutions passed by the agency's board by further expanding its nuclear program and banning inspectors. Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned the IAEA against taking any 'politically-motivated action' by some board members, as this could undermine cooperation between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog, he wrote in a post on X. —- The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. —- Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape: Stephanie Liechtenstein, The Associated Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
UN nuclear agency members draft resolution accusing Iran of failing to meet obligations
VIENNA (AP) — Western nations are planning to table a resolution at a meeting of the U.N.'s nuclear agency that will find Iran in non-compliance with its so-called safeguards obligations for the first time in 20 years, a senior western diplomat said Thursday. The move comes at a sensitive time as U.S. President Donald Trump's administration seeks to reach a deal with Tehran to limit its nuclear program. The two sides have held several rounds of talks, so far without agreement. A draft resolution, jointly tabled by France, the U.K. and Germany, known as the E3, together with the United States, was circulated today after a final sign-off by Washington. The State Department did not immediately comment. The draft resolution, which was seen by The Associated Press, says: 'Iran's many failures to uphold its obligations since 2019 to provide the Agency with full and timely cooperation regarding undeclared nuclear material and activities at multiple undeclared locations in Iran ... constitutes non-compliance with its obligations under its Safeguards Agreement.' The draft resolution furthermore finds that the IAEA's 'inability ... to provide assurance that Iran's nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful gives rise to questions that are within the competence of the United Nations Security Council, as the organ bearing the main responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.' It requests IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi 'to continue his efforts to implement this and previous resolutions and to report again, including any further developments on the issues.' The text of the draft may change before it is formally tabled, as board members have the opportunity to suggest amendments. Under the so-called safeguards obligations, that are part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran is legally bound to declare all nuclear material and activities and allow IAEA inspectors to verify that none of it is being diverted from peaceful uses. In the IAEA's 'comprehensive report' that was circulated among members states last weekend, the U.N. nuclear watchdog said that Iran's cooperation with the agency has 'been less than satisfactory' when it comes to uranium traces discovered by agency inspectors at several locations in Iran that Tehran has failed to declare as nuclear sites. The IAEA has been seeking answers from Iran regarding the origin and current location of the nuclear material since 2019. Western officials suspect that the uranium traces discovered by the IAEA could provide evidence that Iran had a secret nuclear weapons program until 2003. Iran denies ever having had a nuclear weapons program and says its program is entirely peaceful. The senior western diplomat called the resolution a 'serious step,' but added that western nations are 'not closing the door to diplomacy on this issue.' 'The objective of the resolution is for Iran to resolve the issue,' the source added, which is why the resolution will not immediately refer Iran's non-compliance to the U.N. Security Council to consider triggering more sanctions. 'They will have a window to finally comply and respond to all the requests that have been made over the last six years.' The board of governors 'stresses its support for a diplomatic solution to the problems posed by the Iranian nuclear programme, leading to an agreement that addresses all international concerns related to Iran's nuclear activities, encouraging all parties to constructively engage in diplomacy,' the draft resolution reads. However, if Iran fails to cooperate, an extraordinary IAEA board meeting will likely be held in the summer, during which another resolution could get passed that will refer the issue to the Security Council, the senior diplomat said. The three European nations have threatened in the past to reinstate sanctions that have been lifted under the original 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which expires on Oct. 18. Iran has previously retaliated to resolutions passed by the agency's board by further expanding its nuclear program and banning inspectors. Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned the IAEA against taking any 'politically-motivated action' by some board members, as this could undermine cooperation between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog, he wrote in a post on X. —- The Associated Press receives support for nuclear security coverage from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and Outrider Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. —- Additional AP coverage of the nuclear landscape:
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
India challenges 25% US auto tariffs at WTO, seeks safeguard consultations
India has formally challenged the United States' imposition of steep tariffs on auto imports by lodging a request for consultations with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) amid ongoing bilateral talks with Washington. In its June 2 filing, India stated that the 25 per cent duties imposed by the US on passenger vehicles, light trucks, and specific auto parts constitute a "safeguard measure", intended to protect US domestic producers from a perceived import surge. The tariffs, effective from May 3, 2025, were introduced without prior notification to the WTO's Committee on Safeguards, violating Article 12.1(c) of the WTO's Safeguards Agreement, India said in its submission. India presses for talks, warns of retaliation India's request seeks consultations under Article 12.3 of the Safeguards Agreement, aiming to 'exchange views' with the US and assess the legality of the measure. It highlighted its 'significant export interest' in the affected auto products and called on Washington to respond swiftly with a proposed date and venue for the talks. India also formally reserved its right to take retaliatory action if the consultations fail to reach a resolution within the 30-day window permitted under WTO rules. 'India reserves all its rights under the Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organisation and its Annexes, including the Agreement on Safeguards,' the notice stated. The filing at the WTO marks the first time New Delhi has taken a more assertive stance in its trade talks with the US. India was among the first countries to engage with the Trump administration following the announcement of 'Liberation Day' tariffs and, until now, had steered clear of openly criticising US trade policies, favouring quiet diplomacy instead. However, India has previously signalled its willingness to respond in kind, having threatened reciprocal action over US tariffs on metal imports. US delegation to arrive in India for trade talks The WTO filing comes at a crucial time as negotiators from both sides are working to wrap up a potential interim trade deal before July, when a 90-day pause on new tariffs ends. The timing also overlaps with a visit by a US trade delegation to India on June 5-6, aimed at advancing talks on a wider set of tariff issues, including the recent doubling of US duties on steel and aluminium. India's submission argued that since the US measures qualify as safeguards, they must adhere to specific procedural steps outlined in WTO rules. If talks collapse, India is permitted under WTO rules to suspend equivalent concessions by imposing its own duties in response. 'India reserves all its rights under the Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organisation and its Annexes, including the Agreement on Safeguards,' the notice concluded. WTO rules permit a country to suspend equivalent concessions, such as imposing its own duties, if consultations do not lead to a settlement.
