Iran Withdraws IAEA Resolution Against Nuclear Site Attacks Amid US Funding Threats

Iran withdrew a resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that condemned attacks on its nuclear facilities, citing Western, particularly US, pressure as the main reason. The resolution, co-sponsored by China, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, and others, strongly condemned the June 2025 Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as violations of international law. The US lobbied intensively behind the scenes, warning of potential cuts to IAEA funding and possible impacts on Israel's status within the agency if the resolution passed. Iran framed its withdrawal as an act of goodwill and constructive engagement at the request of several member states, while the US criticized the resolution as based on false claims and likely to be rejected if voted on. This development coincides with efforts by France, Germany, and Britain to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran under the 2015 nuclear deal's snapback mechanism. The episode highlights the geopolitical fault lines within the IAEA, balancing Iran's insistence on the peaceful nature of its nuclear program against Israel and the US's concerns about potential weapon development and willingness to use military force.