IAEA resolution confrontational not constructive

The International Atomic Energy Agency's decision on Wednesday to censure Iran for its failure to cooperate with the UN agency will neither help foster the necessary momentum for reviving the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal nor contribute to a fair, equitable environment for preventing nuclear proliferation.

The decision was apparently influenced by the UN nuclear watchdog's report a week ago, which said Iran has further increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to near weapons-grade levels. The agency is now demanding Teheran provide answers to questions that are part of its long-running investigation and reverse its ban on several experienced UN inspectors carrying out on-site investigations.

It is an open secret that Teheran and the IAEA in recent years have clashed on how and where the agency can conduct probes into Iran's nuclear program. But that is something that should be settled through negotiations and dialogue. Adopting confrontational stances will only push the two sides further apart, shutting the door on any accommodation being reached.