Statement by

Mr. Sattar Ahmadi

First Counselor of the Permanent Mission

of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

Before the United Nations Security Council

Open Debate on “Threats to International Peace and Security: Risks Stemming from Violations of the Agreements Regulating the Export of Weapons and Military Equipment.”

New York, 10 April 2023

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Mr. President,

I congratulate Russia on its Council presidency this month and commend Mozambique on the successful completion of its March presidency.

My delegation had not initially intended to speak regarding the issue on the agenda for today’s meeting. However, to our dismay, the United States and certain members of the Council once again abused the Council's forum, as their standard practices, to further their own political agendas and leveled baseless charges against my Country.

This compelled my delegation to ask for the floor and make a statement in unambiguous denial of these baseless assertions.

Mr. President,

To begin with, the export of weapons and military equipment is a highly sensitive issue that requires Member States to uphold their commitments to prevent them from falling into the hands of terrorist and criminal groups.

Failure in this area can have serious consequences for international and regional peace and security.

As such, when weapons and military equipment are exported to conflict-affected countries or groups, it can contribute to the intensification of violence and the prolongation of the conflict.

This can lead to increased casualties, civilian displacement, and humanitarian crises. Furthermore, violations of obligations can fuel arms races and create a power imbalance, exacerbating conflicts and undermining efforts for a peaceful resolution.

Mr. President,

As a victim of foreign-backed terrorist groups and organized crime, dealing with the dire consequences of drug trafficking and illicit weapons trade, the Islamic Republic of Iran is deeply concerned about the illicit transfer of weapons and small arms to terrorist groups.

Mr. President,

We strongly condemn and categorically reject the baseless allegations leveled by the United States and certain Members against my Country at this meeting.

Iran has always upheld its obligations under international law and has never transferred arms or weapons in violation of its obligations.

Iran’s position on the ongoing Ukraine crisis is clear and consistent. Iran has consistently advocated for the resolution of the conflict through peaceful means.

Iran has repeatedly denied unfounded and unsubstantiated claims that it has transferred weapons to use in the Ukraine conflict, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Such allegations are completely unfounded and have nothing to do with Security Council Resolution 2231. (2015).

It is evident that the prime objective of such assertions and fabrications is to divert attention away from the West's massive transfer of high-tech weapons to Ukraine to prolong the conflict.

Instead of such unprofessional, and irresponsible behavior, we advised the US, and these certain Members to comply with all their respective legal obligations, fully and genuinely under Resolution 2231 (2015).

I thank you, Mr. President.