Statement by Mr. Heidar Ali Balouji

First Counselor

of the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations

At the high-level plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on the International Day against Nuclear Tests

New York, 29 August 2023

In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Mr. President,

We extend our deepest appreciation for convening this crucial gathering of the General Assembly. We wish to commend Kazakhstan for its significant role in advocating for the International Day against Nuclear Tests.

Twenty-seven years have elapsed since the signing of the CTBT, yet the world still awaits the tangible realization of its provisions. The global community remains steadfast in its resolve to eradicate nuclear testing, a stance that has been reiterated time and again. This noble objective hinges upon the decisive commitment of the Nuclear Weapon States, a responsibility of paramount importance.

Iran shares the frustration of non-nuclear weapon States and stands united against any delays in ending nuclear testing. Such delays only serve to undermine progress and momentum, as was evident at the 10th NPT Review Conference and the 1st Preparatory Committee of the 2026 NPT Review Conference. The urgency of these calls cannot be overstated; the continuation of nuclear tests contributes to the production, proliferation, and potential use of nuclear weapons. The consequences of these tests, nearly akin to the actual deployment of nuclear arms, should serve as a wake-up call for the entire world, including the Nuclear Weapon States. The stark statistics, revealing over 2,000 tests with nearly half attributed to the US, are deeply unsettling.

Iran firmly believes that the cornerstone for ridding the world of nuclear threats is the faithful implementation of Article VI of the NPT, squarely resting upon the Nuclear Weapon States. Hence, the international community must hold these states accountable, urging them to fulfill this legal obligation while refraining from any actions that run counter to it. This imperative extends to the Israeli regime with the possession of various types of nuclear weapons that poses a grave threat to regional peace and security and beyond.

While voluntary moratoriums on nuclear tests are commendable, they cannot replace the necessity of legally binding commitments. Until this aspiration is achieved, the implementation of these moratoriums by the Nuclear Weapon States should be augmented with a binding instrument, effectively preventing such tests.

Mr. President,

Today, our focus underscores the critical importance of terminating all nuclear tests, not only for the well-being of present and future generations but also for the health of our planet. The survival of humanity hinges on a steadfast consensus: nuclear weapons must never again be tested, developed, or deployed; their complete eradication remains the ultimate but urgent goal.

The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons represents a step in the right direction. We eagerly anticipate its successful realization through measured steps, including the swift commencement of negotiations in the Conference on Disarmament for a comprehensive convention that addresses the entire life cycle of these inhumane weapons, ultimately leading to their total elimination. This process stands as the sole guarantee against the use or threat of nuclear weapons. Let us seize every available opportunity to turn this aspiration into reality.

Thank you.