Trump Says Won’t Unfreeze Iran Assets Before Deal

The United States is actively lobbying member states of the UN's Board of Governors to support a draft resolution that would compel Iran to provide detailed information regarding its nuclear sites and stored enriched uranium. This U.S.-initiated text, circulated before the board's quarterly meeting, carries the potential to disrupt the delicate diplomatic channels currently open between Washington and Tehran.

Historically, Iran has reacted to resolutions passed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) by intensifying its nuclear program or curtailing cooperation. Previous resolutions, submitted by the U.S. along with Britain, France, and Germany, have passed with substantial majorities. A resolution adopted in November specifically demanded that Iran promptly update the agency on its enriched uranium stock and the status of damaged sites, a requirement that remains unfulfilled.

The U.S. draft resolution insists that Iran must "provide the Agency with precise information on nuclear material accountancy and safeguarded nuclear facilities in Iran" and grant "all access it requires to verify this information." These steps are deemed "essential and urgent" and must be undertaken "without delay." Notably, the text avoids referring Iran to the UN Security Council, a step some diplomats had considered.

While circulating a draft does not guarantee its submission or passage, it signals a clear intention by the U.S. to pursue this diplomatic avenue. Current negotiations between the U.S. and Iran aim to extend a ceasefire and lay the groundwork for broader discussions, including Iran's nuclear program. U.S. President Donald Trump has stated his objective is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies.

Meanwhile, Russia has voiced strong opposition to the proposed resolution. Russia's ambassador to the IAEA stated that such a move would only serve to antagonize Iran and accused the United States of undermining cooperation. He pointed out that the IAEA had access to Iran's sites until the recent bombings commenced, suggesting U.S. actions have been counterproductive. Russia and China have consistently opposed recent resolutions targeting Iran.

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It was exactly the United States who undermined this cooperation.