Statement by

Mr. Mohammad Ghorbanpour, a Representative of the

Islamic Republic of Iran

Before the UNGA 78 First Committee

Thematic Discussions:

Regional Security

25 October 2023, New York, the United Nations

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

The Islamic Republic of Iran offers the suffering people of Palestine its deepest sympathies and unwavering solidarity. We vehemently condemn the horrendous crimes carried out by the Israeli regime in Gaza, which have thus far resulted in more almost 6000 deaths, more than 62 percent are children and women.

Mr. Chairman,

My delegation associates itself with the NAM statement delivered by Indonesia.

Mr. Chairman, 

War, arms races, and excessive military expenditures pose a severe threat to regional security, both in the short and long term. Last year, the world witnessed widespread armed conflicts while most of them continued to occur within states or clusters of states with porous borders, totaling 56 states experiencing armed conflict, five more than in the previous year.

The United States and the Israeli regime have been funding significant military establishments. The US stands as the world's largest military spender, accounting for over 37% of global military spending in  in recent years. Similarly, The Israeli regime ranks among the top 10 countries with substantial military budgets. Unfortunately, the military prowess of these nations has contributed to arms races and conflicts in the Middle East, exacerbating tensions and caused chronic wars. This in turn diverts funds from critical areas like education, healthcare, and economic development in the region.

The US military involvement in recent decades has led to numerous wars, such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan and Syria. These conflicts have inflicted profound damage not only on the countries directly involved but also on the wider region. Additionally, the nuclear weapons programs maintained by both the US and the Israeli regime pose a significant threat to regional security.

One of the most pressing concerns is the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. Regrettably, the Israeli regime stands as the sole entity in the region that has refused to join international agreements such as the NPT, CWC, and BWC. Even more concerning is the Israeli regime's possession of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, as well as its reckless threats, including nuclear annihilation, while enjoying unwavering US support. An alarming example of this was the regime’s prime minister recent call for a "credible nuclear threat against Iran" during the UN General Assembly in September 2023. This obvious threat must be condemned as illegitimate, illegal, and irresponsible. The international community must hold the Israeli regime accountable by demanding to renounce its nuclear weapons, to join the NPT as a non-nuclear weapon party, and subject all its nuclear facilities and activities to comprehensive IAEA safeguards.

To foster regional stability, both the US and the Israeli regime must control their military spending, cease involvement in wars of aggression, and abandon their nuclear weapons programs. Additionally, the Israeli regime must put an end to its occupation of Palestinian territories and respect the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

Another significant issue in the region is the frequent and extensive use of chemical weapons. Given the actual threat of weapons of mass destruction, the establishment of a Middle East Zone free of all types of such weapons becomes an urgent necessity. Existing obstacles, including the Israeli regime's objection supported by the US, must end.

Regarding the JCPOA, Iran stands prepared to conclude negotiations, emphasizing that resolution hinges on all parties' commitment to their obligations. However, the reckless policies of some JCPOA participants remain the primary obstacle to its resumption.

Iran vehemently denies any involvement in the war in Ukraine or the breach of its commitments. Our offer to this country to clarify this issue at the expert level remains on the table.

Furthermore, Iran, like any sovereign member of the international community, has the right to meet its security and military needs, including missile capabilities, in conformity with international law.

In pursuit of a balanced, active, and smart foreign policy, Iran has sought cordial relationships with its neighbors. To this end, Iran has become a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS, with the overarching aim of fostering peace and security in the region and beyond.

Thank you.