UN Nuclear Watchdog Refers Iran to Security Council as US-Iran Conflict Escalates

The UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA) has referred Iran to the UN Security Council for the first time in 20 years over its refusal to allow nuclear inspections. In parallel, the United States sank five Iranian oil tankers after Tehran launched ballistic missiles at American targets, with Iranian cluster bombs reportedly hitting Jordan. The escalation follows a US-won vote at the UN watchdog. Trump advisers warn the Iran conflict may last through the end of his term. The IAEA board's referral marks a major diplomatic break after two decades of stalled negotiations.