Condemning Iran's failure to comply with its international nuclear obligations.

119th Congress Introduced by Michael Baumgartner

Brops: The resolution endorses IAEA verification of Iran’s nuclear safeguards, condemns non-cooperation, calls for full inspector access, and says Congress may authorize force if d

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2005)

Overview

HRES 398 is a House of Representatives resolution introduced on May 8, 2025 by Rep. Michael Baumgartner. Classified as a resolution (non-binding), it expresses the House’s policy stance on Iran’s nuclear program, supports IAEA verification efforts, and outlines recommended diplomatic, economic, and potential security responses. The measure has received sponsor introductory remarks on May 14, 2025 (CR H2005) and was referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Purpose and Intent

To reaffirm U.S. support for the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) verification of Iran’s compliance with its safeguards obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

To condemn Iran’s alleged lack of cooperation and transparency regarding its nuclear program.

To urge Iran to fulfill its obligations, resolve outstanding safeguards issues, and allow full access for IAEA inspectors.

Key Provisions (succinctly stated)

1) Endorse the IAEA’s ongoing verification efforts regarding Iran’s safeguards agreement.
2) Condemn Iran for persistent non-cooperation and opacity about its nuclear program.
3) Urge Iran to immediately satisfy its obligations under the NPT Safeguards Agreement and resolve all outstanding safeguards issues.
4) Urge Iran to reinstate all necessary IAEA inspectors and grant them full, unfettered access to relevant nuclear sites.
5) Call on the U.S. government, with international partners, to take all necessary diplomatic and economic measures to hold Iran accountable for violations of its nuclear commitments.
6) Support the IAEA Director General’s ongoing engagement with Iran and urge Iran to comply with its obligations and cease pursuit of nuclear weapons.
7) Assert that if international efforts fail, Iran withdraws from the NPT, or the National Intelligence Estimate indicates Iran has crossed the nuclear threshold, Congress should take all necessary and appropriate steps to authorize the use of U.S. Armed Forces against Iran.

Procedural/Timeline Aspects

Introduced: May 8, 2025.

Status: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure (CR H2005) as of May 14, 2025.

Legislative action: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on introduction date.

Nature of measure: Non-binding resolution expressing Congressional policy and directing attention to diplomacy, verification, and, if warranted by certain conditions, potential military authorization.

Who/What Is Affected

Primary focus: Iran’s nuclear program and its compliance with the NPT Safeguards Agreement.

Affected entities: IAEA, its inspectors, Iran’s nuclear sites, the U.S. executive branch, and U.S. allies/partners engaged in diplomacy and sanctions.

If triggered by conditions in the measure, potential implications for U.S. military authorization (though the resolution itself does not enact such authority).

Bottom Line

HRES 398 formalizes a broad, multi-faceted stance: unwavering support for IAEA verification, condemnation of Iran’s reported non-cooperation, calls for full inspector access, and a pathway urging diplomatic/economic actions. It also explicitly flags that, should diplomacy fail or certain thresholds be crossed, Congress should consider authorizing the use of force against Iran. As a non-binding resolution, it expresses policy preference rather than creating new law or funding.

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