Statement by

Mr. Sattar Ahmadi

First Counselor

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

Before the Open Consultation of the 1540 Committee

New York, 1 June 2022

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

Mr. President,

At the outset, I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to talk about the noble goal of combating weapons of mass destruction and preventing terrorist groups from obtaining these deadly weapons.

Mr. President,

The Islamic Republic of Iran's strong conviction and active participation in the disarmament fora stems from three main strategic observations: first, the bitter experience of being exposed to chemical weapons in the 1980s during the war against the then-dictator of Iraq, and also being exposed to the illegitimate and illegal threat of the use of nuclear weapons by the Israeli regime; second, our strong religious belief that due to their catastrophic inhuman results, weapons of mass destruction are forbidden and thus rejected; and third, our logical national-interest assessments, particularly in light of other Nuclear-Weapon States' experience, and our judgment that such weapons do not and cannot provide security.

Therefore, our membership in the main relevant international instruments, such as the NPT, BWC, and CWC, is stemmed from this approach. We have carried out our obligations under these instruments, and in addition to our initiatives such as the proposal to establish the Middle East nuclear-free zone since 1974, we have supported and implemented all international resolutions calling for the total elimination of all weapons of mass destruction and the fight against terrorism.

Mr. President,

Terrorism's nature has changed, terrorists' tactics have evolved, and they are increasingly empowered with information and communication technologies. As a result, more innocent lives are being jeopardized, and new fronts in the battle against terror have emerged.

We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and we call on all Member States to join the battle. International cooperation in countering terrorism, in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter and international law, is critical in safeguarding international peace and security.

Various large-scale national efforts and laws, as well as the assistance provided to affected countries in their fight against terrorism, indicate the Iranian nation's resolve and will to combat terrorism. In 2016, the Iranian Parliament passed the "Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Act," making terrorist financing offenses illegal under the "International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Financing." The Iranian government implemented the Act's provisions by approving the Executive Bylaw in 2017. Furthermore, in 2018, the Parliament passed an amendment to the Act to better adapt the appropriate legal framework to various aspects of terrorism. In addition, the "Countering Money Laundering Act of 2008" was amended by the Parliament. International anti-money laundering rules are used in the amendment.

Having said that, we, like many Middle Eastern regional countries, are gravely concerned about Israel's dangerous policy of pursuing weapons of mass destruction’s capabilities as well as its direct involvement in terrorist actions. This regime's nuclear arsenal, according to multiple reports, comprises 400 warheads, including thermonuclear weapons. It possesses developing chemical and biological weapons and is working hard to develop these deadly weapons. It has access to all weapons of mass destruction delivery systems. It has often threatened nuclear annihilation against the countries in the region.  Enjoying the full support of the United States, the Israeli regime has refused to adhere to any WMD disarmament or control regimes, as well as the repeated international calls to join the NPT, accept the Comprehensive Safeguard Agreement, and submit its nuclear programs to the IAEA inspections. It has declined to take part in either of the two initiatives to establish a weapons-of-mass-destruction-free zone in the Middle East.

In contrast, this apartheid regime has launched various terror attacks against Iranian scientists and sabotaged Iran's nuclear facilities using physical and cyber attacks, in addition to its brutal attacks against the innocent and defenseless people of Palestine and its expansionist policy against neighboring countries. The Israeli regime is the only perpetrator in the world who has committed all of the international law's core crimes, including genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. This regime's atrocities, terrors, and insecurity must not be overlooked. In this regard, the Security Council has a special responsibility to counter the continuous threats to international peace and security emanating from this dangerous regime.

Mr. President,

Finally, I should reject the outrageous and unsubstantiated accusations made by the representative of the Israeli regime against my country yesterday, which are consistent with its wolf cry, deception, and policy of deflection from its atrocities in the region and beyond. Instead, I should emphasize that the weapons of mass destruction in the hands of this criminal regime are the true source of terror, insecurity, and destruction, putting regional peace and security at risk. We encourage the international community to condemn the Israeli regime and force it to follow the international regimes banning WMDs. The time to act is now.

I thank you, Mr. President!