US to join European allies on Iran amid tensions over nuclear program

The United States said Tuesday it expected to act in concert with its European allies on Iran after diplomats said Washington was opposed to a censure over its nuclear program.

Britain, France and Germany submitted a draft resolution to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s board on Monday, condemning Iran for its failure to fully cooperate with the watchdog and demanding more accountability.

Diplomats have said that US President Joe Biden’s administration, which is hoping to restore calm in the Middle East, has opposed the move as it fears aggravating tensions.

Asked to confirm the US opposition, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters: “We have taken significant actions at the IAEA in the past; we are prepared to do so again in the future.”

“You will see the United States position when that resolution comes forward, but I think you should not expect us to be acting in any sort of disharmony with our E3 partners,” Miller said.

Iran suspended compliance with caps on its nuclear activities set by a landmark 2015 deal with major powers after the United States under then president Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and reimposed sweeping sanctions.

The Biden administration has given up on restoring the agreement but has held quiet talks with Iran in hopes of lowering the temperature, including after direct clashes in April between Israel and Iran’s clerical state, which backs Palestinian militants Hamas.