The Foreign Secretary Jack Straw issued the following statement following the adoption of a resolution at the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna.

"Today, the IAEA Board has passed a resolution reporting Iran to the United Nations Security Council. The voting was 27 in favour, with 3 against and 5 abstentions. This is a significant improvement in the international consensus since the last resolution in September 2005, not withstanding the tougher nature of this resolution and changed composition of the board."

"The scale of the vote in this resolution's favour is significant. It signals the international community's determination to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons in the Middle East. Iran's failure to comply with IAEA Board resolutions, and its decision not to negotiate with the European side in good faith, prompted the Board's decision today to involve the Security Council to reinforce the IAEA's authority."

"However, Iran still has a crucial opportunity between now and the March IAEA Board to comply with this latest resolution by resuming full suspension of its enrichment related and reprocessing activities and taking the steps required to address all outstanding questions from the IAEA. Otherwise, decisions by the Security Council are almost inevitable."

"I have great respect for Iran, its people and history. We both stand to benefit from a better political and economic relationship. But before that can happen the Iranian regime must prove to the international community beyond any doubt that it is not seeking nuclear weapons."