Iran referred to UN Security Council for nuclear non-compliance

The UN nuclear watchdog has referred Iran to the Security Council for "non-compliance" with its obligations under the non-proliferation treaty - the first such move in 20 years.

The board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution at a meeting in Vienna.

It cites a lack of information on Iran's nuclear material such as its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, and the lack of access to nuclear facilities for IAEA inspectors.

Tehran condemned the IAEA decision, blaming US and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities for disrupting inspections.

New sanctions are nonetheless unlikely because Iran's allies China and Russia have veto powers in the council.

The IAEA resolution - tabled by the UK, France, Germany and the US - was backed by 23 countries, with eight abstentions. China, Russia and Niger voted against.

The document , external asks IAEA chief Rafael Grossi to report Iran to the Security Council.

Iran had repeatedly warned the IAEA against passing such a resolution.