Statement by Mr. Mohammad Ghorbanpour
the Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Before the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly
New York, 6 October 2023
In the Name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
Mr. Chair,
I would like to congratulate you and the bureau on your election. My delegation associates itself with the NAM statement.
Mr. Chair,
In a world plagued by escalating violence and a threatening proliferation of conflicts and tensions in various regions, it becomes increasingly apparent that we are racing down a dangerous path. The signs are glaring: the excessive expenditures on weapons, the flames of animosity fanned instead of reduced, and the tragic loss of lives already incurred. As history has taught us time and again, one need not possess psychic abilities or intuitions to perceive the looming darkness of violence. A cursory glance at the massive sums poured into the military-industrial complex, the persistence of international tensions, and the lives sacrificed is enough to paint a grim picture of our trajectory.
Regrettably, states have increasingly resorted to the use or threat of force, military interventions, UCMs, and political pressure, discarding their longstanding commitments to disarmament, arms control, and non-proliferation. This alarming trend that must be reversed immediately.
In this context, the current state of international affairs is underscored by the ticking of the Doomsday Clock, which now stands at a mere 90 seconds to midnight—a harrowing reminder of the imminent global catastrophe. The likelihood of nuclear war is growing exponentially, driven not only by modernization efforts and an escalating nuclear arms race but also by various other factors. Nuclear arsenals are being replaced and upgraded, with countries like the United States increasing their budgets for nuclear weapons programs. As another example, the United Kingdom is expanding its nuclear stockpile and lowering the threshold for possible nuclear weapon use, further diminishing global peace and security.
The New START remains unimplemented, and the prospects for negotiating a successor agreement are uncertain at best. As such, in addition to the erosion of key nuclear arms control agreements, there is widespread non-compliance with legally binding obligations related to nuclear disarmament, particularly under Article VI of the NPT and their commitments under the Treaty's 2000 and 2010 Review Conferences. Regrettably, there is no promising prospect for change in the foreseeable future. The international community rightfully expects the Nuclear Weapon States to be held accountable for their obligations. In the wake of the failures of the 2015 and 2022 NPT Review Conferences, the success of the next conference is totally hinged upon to the political will of the NWSs.
Nuclear weapons have, and continue to be, an existential threat to humanity. Their use, whether intentional or accidental, would result in catastrophic humanitarian consequences. The only guaranteed safeguard against their use or threat lies in their complete and verifiable elimination, accompanied by legally binding assurances of non-production.
Any notion of "nuclear weapon risk reduction" or similar initiatives should not serve as excuses to delay or substitute the fulfillment of absolute legal obligations. These obligations must be urgently met.
Consequently, nuclear disarmament must be accorded the highest priority. Nuclear-weapon states must halt all plans to modernize existing nuclear weapons, cease the development of new types of nuclear weapons systems, and refrain from constructing new facilities for nuclear weapons production and deployment. They must eliminate nuclear weapons, initiate negotiations for a comprehensive nuclear weapons convention, provide unconditional security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon states, and maintain a tabu against the threat or use of nuclear weapons.
At a regional level, the nuclear weapons possessed by the Israeli regime continue to pose a grave threat to regional and global peace and security. It obstructs the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East initiated by Iran since 1974 and rather continues to threat others with nuclear annihilation. A vivid example of this regime’s outlawed action is calling for a so-called “credible nuclear threat against Iran” which was brazenly raised by the regime’s prime minister during the UNGA 78 high level meeting on 22 September 2023. We categorically condemn this illegitimate, illegal and irresponsible action and position. The international community must hold this regime accountable through resolutions and decisions that call upon this regime to renounce its possession of nuclear weapons, accede to the NPT as a non-nuclear weapon party, and subject all its nuclear facilities and activities to comprehensive IAEA safeguards.
In relation to the Chemical Weapons Convention, we strongly advocate for the full and effective implementation of this convention and are opposed to any use or effort to develop these weapons. As the biggest victim of the systematic use of chemical weapons, we reject any use of these weapons by anyone, anywhere and under any circumstances. We are pleased with the effective efforts of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in destroying all declared chemical weapons.
The failure of the fifth review conference of the Chemical Weapons Convention following the setback in the previous review conference is deeply concerning.
On the Biological Weapons Convention, we urge the United States to not only withdraw its reservation to the Protocol of 1925 Geneva but also refrain from opposing the development of the BWC, especially in response to reports of its involvement in the development of biological weapons. We hope that the intersessional process for the BWC will lead to a satisfactory result in strengthening the Convention.
However, we are concerned about the threat posed by the use of these two types of weapons by terrorists or the Israeli regime, which is not a member of either of the conventions. As such we have similar expectation from the international community to hold this regime accountable by acceding and implementing these two Conventions.
Furthermore, we must not overlook the perils posed by new technologies, as these have the potential to disrupt global stability and security.
As some nations weaponize outer space and cyberspace, we reiterate our steadfast position to their peaceful use. Legally binding instruments must be established to ensure their exclusive dedication to peaceful purposes. Any attempts to interpret or impose unilateral coercive measures that infringe on the inalienable rights of states in these domains must be avoided.
We express our appreciation to the Secretary General and the ODA for inviting Iran to be part of the new GGE on further practical measures for PAROS.
Iran remains fully committed to the implementation of its Comprehensive Safeguard Agreement with the IAEA. The agency's 2022 Safeguards reports attests to Iran's cooperation and the absence of any diversion of nuclear material from peaceful activities or undeclared nuclear production.
Regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran fulfilled its commitments while the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the agreement, violating UNSC Resolution 2231 and imposing sanctions. Despite Iran's responsible and patient approach, the European participants of the JCPOA failed to compensate for U.S.-imposed losses. As such Iran exercised its rights under the JCPOA to take remedial actions.
Iran negotiated in good faith for the JCPOA's full implementation but awaits the US and the EU participants of the JCPOA to return to compliance.
We appreciate the fair and balanced stance of some delegations that recognize the mutual commitments of the JCPOA. Regrettably, many Western nations have displayed bias against Iran, calling for unilateral Iranian compliance. This approach, rooted in U.S. policy, hampers the JCPOA's full restoration. Additionally, these countries must be urged to stop violating their NPT based obligations including inter alia prevention of nuclear sharing.
Iran stands ready to conclude JCPOA negotiations, emphasizing that a resolution depends on all parties' commitment to their obligations. The reckless policy of some of the JCPOA participants remains the primary obstacle to its resumption.
In conclusion, the world stands at a critical juncture where peace, disarmament, and international cooperation must prevail over the destructive forces of violence and proliferation. We call upon the international community to unite in a collective effort to ensure a safer, more peaceful world for all.
Thank you.