The Day IAEA Resolution Triggered Nuclear Escalation

The IAEA Board of Governors passed a resolution against Iran with 19 votes in favor, 3 against, and 11 abstentions, marking the first formal finding of "non-compliance" in nearly two decades. Iranian media reported Tehran's immediate response: orders to establish a third uranium enrichment facility at a secure location and replace first-generation centrifuges at Fordow with sixth-generation machines.

President Pezeshkian declared enrichment would continue despite Western pressure, while Foreign Minister Araqchi confirmed Iran would attend Sunday's nuclear negotiations in Muscat to "defend national rights." Germany warned it was prepared to activate the snapback mechanism if necessary.

The escalation unfolded as the US evacuated personnel from Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain, citing regional security concerns. Trump acknowledged an Israeli strike on Iran was "likely" but opposed it due to proximity to potential nuclear agreement. By evening, the UN General Assembly passed a Gaza ceasefire resolution.