Joe Biden's administration is pressuring European allies to abandon plans to condemn Iran for advancing its nuclear program. Washington is seeking to prevent an escalation of tensions with Tehran ahead of the fall presidential election in the United States, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing diplomats involved in the discussion.
The US is noted to have opposed attempts by Britain and France to condemn Iran at a meeting of the Council of Member States of the International Atomic Energy Agency in early June. The United States is also pressuring a number of other countries to abstain. At the same time, US officials deny lobbying against the resolution.
The disagreement comes amid deepening concern among Western officials about Iran's nuclear activities. According to the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), Iran has enough highly enriched material for three nuclear warheads. Some US officials say they fear Iran could become "more unstable" as the country nears elections for a new leader following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi.
The Biden administration has long said it is seeking a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear program.