IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei, center, speaks to media after the 35-nation board of governors meeting

The International Atomic Energy Agency's board has adopted a resolution that could see Iran referred to the U.N. Security Council for Tehran's controversial nuclear activities.

The IAEA's 35-nation board adopted the resolution Saturday by a vote of 22 to one, while 12 countries abstained.

The resolution finds that Iran has failed to comply with international nuclear safeguard agreements, but puts off immediate referral to the Security Council for possible sanctions. Diplomats say the action could be taken in November when the board meets again.

The resolution says Iran can avoid penalties by halting uranium conversion and giving IAEA inspectors full cooperation.

Iran has rejected the IAEA resolution, calling it "illegal and unacceptable." Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki is quoted Sunday by Associated Press as saying the resolution proved that European negotiators were manipulated by the United States.

Washington accuses Tehran of secretly pursuing nuclear weapons, which Iran denies.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.