The 35-nation board of governors of the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency nuclear watchdog passed a resolution Thursday ordering Iran to cooperate immediately with the agency’s investigation into uranium traces discovered at three undeclared sites, diplomats said.
According to Reuters, the resolution, drafted by the U.S., the United Kingdom, France and Germany, states that “it is essential and urgent” that Iran explain the origin of the uranium particles and, more broadly, provide the IAEA with all necessary answers.
“Iran must now provide the necessary cooperation; no more empty promises,” the U.S. said in a statement to the board shortly before the resolution was adopted with 26 votes in favor, five abstentions and two countries absent, according to the report.
Only Russia and China voted against the resolution.
If Iran does not cooperate, the board is prepared to take further action under Article XII.C of the Agency’s statute, which outlines options for referring Iran to the U.N. Security Council for failing to meet its nuclear obligations.
Iran said on Wednesday that it would reject a draft resolution proposed by Western nations.