US Says Iranian Response To IAEA Resolution "Counterproductive"

The US State Department has issued a statement expressing disappointment with the Iranian reaction to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors vote censure Iran over alleged non-compliance with IAEA monitoring standards.

• The statement reads: "Unfortunately, Iran’s initial response to the Board’s action has not been to address the lack of cooperation and transparency... but instead to threaten further nuclear provocations and further reductions of transparency."
• The statement makes clear that the present diplomatic standoff represents a significant escalation of nuclear tensions and could fundamentally undermine efforts to restore the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action Accords: "Such steps... further complicate our efforts to return to full implementation of the JCPOA."
• The statement concludes by warning that this current track will lead to a nuclear standoff and an increase of sanctions and political isolation; the strongest words yet from the State Department: "The only outcome of such a path will be a deepening nuclear crisis and further economic and political isolation for Iran. We continue to press Iran to choose diplomacy and de-escalation instead."