Explanation of Vote of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Before the First Committee, UNGA 76

On Draft Resolutions L.1 and L.2 respectively on:

“Establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the region of the Middle East” and

“The risk of nuclear proliferation in the Middle East”

New York, 27 October 2021

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

Mr. Chairman, 

Iran will vote in favor of L.1. The resolution in PP3 emphasizes respect for the nuclear non-proliferation principle and, in PPs 10 and 11, recognizes the importance of the establishment of a mutually verifiable nuclear-weapon-free zone as well as the essential role of the United Nations in this regard. OP 7 urges the nuclear-weapon States to cooperate in the establishment of the zone and, at the same time, refrain from any action that runs counter to both the letter and the spirit of the resolution. 

 The substance of the resolution has not changed for many years due to the desire to maintain consensus on this resolution. Now, the situation has changed, and some have chosen to break the consensus that has spanned three decades on this resolution. Therefore, there is no more justification to refrain from updating the substance of the resolution. Once again, we reiterate our urge to the sponsor of the resolution to delete PP9 and OP 4 regarding peace negotiations in the Middle East since no such peace negotiations exist. All we see in the Middle East is relentless Israeli aggression, brutal occupation, and reject the demand of the international community to participate in the Conference on establishing a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction with the backing of the US. 

The resolution should include an expression of regret regarding the continued refusal of Israel and the USA to participate in the said Conference and acknowledge the lack of progress in the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East as well as the refusal of Israel to accede to the NPT and to place its nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards.  

It is no surprise that Israel, the only impediment to the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East, votes against L.1.   

 The U.S., the most irresponsible nuclear-weapon State, also votes against L.1 while it has a clear international commitment and responsibility to undertake all necessary measures for prompt implementation of the 1995 Resolution on the Middle East. It proves, once again, that the U.S. is not a reliable party in international or bilateral agreements.

 Iran will vote in favor of L.2. It reflects the concern of the solid majority of States that the Israeli regime, as the only non-party to the NPT in the Middle East, is the source of the nuclear proliferation in this region. L.2 recognizes the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East as an important measure to enhance peace and security in the region. Peace and stability cannot be achieved in this volatile region as long as Israeli nuclear weapons exist. Since 1948, the Israeli regime has waged 18 wars, committed acts of aggression against all of its neighbors, used force against numerous countries in the region, and continued to illegally occupy the territories of several neighboring countries. On 29 August 2018 while speaking at Dimona, Israel’s nuclear weapons development center, Netanyahu brazenly threatened Iran with nuclear annihilation. There should be no doubt that the risk of nuclear proliferation and threat of use of such weapons in the Middle East continue to exist as long as certain western countries continue to appease the illicit nuclear weapons program of Israel.  

We fully support OPs 5 and 6 of the L.2 that call on Israel to accede to the NPT without further delay, to renounce possession of nuclear weapons, and to place all of its nuclear facilities under the IAEA’s full-scope safeguards. 

The Islamic Republic of Iran continues to seek and support any meaningful steps aimed at making progress towards the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East in appropriate international forums, including the Tenth NPT Review Conference as well as the Conference on the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction, the second session of which is to be convened by the UN Secretary-General in 2021.

 Thank You!