The European Union has thrown its full support behind a draft resolution tabled by the United States and the E3 (France, Germany, the United Kingdom) at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, calling on Iran to urgently return to compliance with its nuclear obligations. In a statement delivered on 10 June 2026 in Vienna, the EU described Iran's escalating nuclear trajectory over the past six years as 'an urgent and profound nuclear proliferation crisis' and stressed that Iran remains the only non-nuclear-weapon state party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to have produced such a quantity of highly enriched uranium (HEU) with no credible civilian justification.
The statement, read on behalf of the EU and ten aligning countries, was delivered during the IAEA Board of Governors meeting held 8-12 June 2026. It follows the Director General's report (GOV/2026/33 and Corr.1), which the EU says shows that the IAEA has lost continuity of knowledge on previously declared nuclear material inventories in Iran and its enrichment capacities. The EU noted that as of June 2025, Iran's stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60% comprised 440 kg, and that the Agency has been unable to verify this material or draw any safeguards conclusion for 2025 due to Iran's persistent lack of cooperation.
EU strongly condemns Iran's regional strikes
The EU also strongly condemned Iran's 'indiscriminate military strikes against countries in the region' and expressed solidarity with affected states. It called on Iran and its proxies to immediately cease attacks and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2817. The statement urged full respect for the IAEA's seven indispensable pillars for nuclear safety and security during armed conflict.
Diplomatic efforts and snapback of UN sanctions
The EU reiterated its commitment to diplomatic efforts as the only path to a durable solution, commending the work of mediators and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. It noted the reinstatement of six UN Security Council resolutions, including financial and nuclear restrictions, following the snapback approved by the UNSC in September 2025. The EU deplored that Iran has not allowed the IAEA to verify its compliance with these obligations and called on all UN member states to fully implement the restrictive measures.
Key demands: full cooperation, Additional Protocol, modified Code 3.1
The EU called on Iran to urgently provide updated verifiable declarations on the quantity and whereabouts of nuclear material, allow inspections to resume in all nuclear facilities, fully implement modified Code 3.1 (which cannot be unilaterally suspended), and reapply and ratify the Additional Protocol. The EU stressed that there is no technical reason preventing IAEA inspectors from returning to all facilities.
Impact on stakeholders
The EU's strong backing of the resolution increases diplomatic pressure on Iran, potentially leading to further isolation and economic restrictions. For the IAEA, the EU's support reinforces the Agency's authority and verification mandate, though continued Iranian non-cooperation undermines its ability to draw safeguards conclusions. EU member states and aligning countries face the challenge of balancing non-proliferation goals with regional stability, as heightened tensions could affect energy markets and security in the Middle East. Iran's nuclear programme, if left unchecked, poses a direct threat to the global non-proliferation regime, with potential spillover effects on neighbouring states and international security.
Expected follow-up
The EU requested that the Director General's report be made public and looked forward to continued regular reporting. The resolution, if adopted, would set clear benchmarks for Iran's return to compliance, while preserving space for further diplomatic engagement.