Iran's nuclear agreement with European governments was endorsed by the governing board of the International Atomic Energy Agency on Monday despite resistance from the US, which urged inspectors to remain vigilant.

After days of wrangling, the United Nations nuclear watchdog passed a mildly-worded resolution that avoided the case being referred to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions, as the US had wanted. Instead it confirmed the European approach to dealing with Iran. It underlined that Iran had started its promised suspension of uranium enrichment, as agreed mid-month with the UK, France and Germany, in return for co-operation with Europe on nuclear, economic and security issues.