Explanation of Vote of the Islamic Republic of Iran

On Draft Resolution L.16: “Compliance with non-proliferation, arms limitation and disarmament agreements and commitments”

Before the First Committee, UNGA 76

New York, 1 November 2021

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

Mr. Chairman,

We will vote against draft decision L.16 as it is another proof of hypocritical policies materialized by the USA, and we believe that this document deserves nothing but a NO. Furthermore, it is redundant and unnecessary when we bear in mind the sophisticated compliance mechanisms in place based on various international instruments on arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation. Ironically, the US itself has not complied with them due to the ill intention of the US Administration in abusing these mechanisms that have been proven time and again. It is a matter of regret that US agencies are generating annual reports on the so-called non-compliance of the rival countries, and they use such excuses to exert political pressure on those countries.

This approach and these actions are not acceptable at all, especially when we are witnesses to the facts pertaining to US performance with regard to its obligations. The US’ nuclear-weapon strategy and its rigid intention to produce and deploy more sophisticated nuclear weapons are absolutely against its explicit obligations towards nuclear disarmament. The US has not affirmed the goal of a world without nuclear weapons, and rather it has increased the military budget to realize the nuclear arsenal modernization program.

Following a more aggressive nuclear strategy using other countries as an excuse to break free from the constraints of international treaties proves that the US wishes to develop and deploy nuclear armament, lower the threshold of using nuclear weapons, vigorously enhance the global missile defense system and follow this strategy for outer space supremacy. During the deliberation of the First Committee, most countries candidly expressed their strong regret and concerns about the termination of INF, the U.S. withdrawal from JCPOA and its offensive nuclear policy.

The US has failed to comply with its obligations under the CWC, and yet it holds a remarkable part of its chemical weapon arsenal. There are numerous reports about its clandestine activities contrary to the Biological Weapons Convention. We should bear in mind the destabilizing and destructive effects of its military sales to foreign invaders and violators of international human rights and international humanitarian law. 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.