Statement by

Mr. Heidar Ali Balouji

First Counselor

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

At the UNGA 77 First Committee

On Thematic Discussions: Other Disarmament Measures and International Security

New York, 24 October 2022

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

Mr. Chairman, 

The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates once again its persistent position that cyberspace and the ICT environment, as a common heritage of mankind, must be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and that States must act cooperatively and in full compliance with applicable international law. 

Based on this viewpoint, Iran has been actively participating in the relevant intergovernmental negotiation processes under the auspices of the United Nations in the interest of the rights of all while also establishing adequate responsibilities for all. 

Following the adoption of the first annual report of the OEWG followed by a compendium of statements in explanation of positions of member states including Iran, we believe that further progress and an increase in the efficiency of the group will hinge on the following: 

1. Considering and deciding on the list of non-exhaustive and diverse proposals made on the elaboration of rules, norms, and principles of responsible State behavior as reflected in the Chair’s Summary in the 2021 OEWG Report, in future discussions;
2. According to the OEWG’s mandate, the regular institutional dialogue should be established under the auspices of the United Nations with the broad participation of States”. In this regard, all national initiatives should be treated equally taking into account the concerns and interests of all States;
3. Calling on States to continue constructively engaging in the negotiations during further activities of the Group, including in the intersessional period;
4. Calling on the OEWG to establish, in line with its mandate, thematic subgroups to fulfill its mandate and facilitate the exchange of views among States and develop subsequent reports through text-based negotiations. 

From another perspective and given the realities on the ground, it is important to note that countries like the U.S. have not only started weaponizing cyberspace, but its military has also begun carrying out multiple cyberattacks. The Israeli regime has also launched many cyber-attacks against Iran. 

My Country has long been the primary target and main victim of cyberattacks against its vital infrastructure, which have disrupted the delivery of public services and governmental functions. Attacks by Stuxnet on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities and Duqu, as well as the recent attacks on industrial infrastructures such as steel and petrochemical industries, gas stations as well as municipal public service systems, are just a few examples of these cyber-attacks. The Israeli regime has repeatedly admitted its involvement in these internationally wrongful acts using the ICT environment, which has received unwavering US support.

We condemn all those attacks and urge the international community to hold those attackers responsible. 

Regrettably, Iran has recently been subject to a false and unwarranted attribution for the alleged cyber-attack. We warn and reject any fictitious claims based on fabrications and wrong assumptions leveled for political agendas. Given the nature and technical characteristics of cyberspace and the challenges of attribution in the ICT environment, Iran warns of the negative consequences of falsified and forged attribution to the States. If the UK is truly worried about any potential effects on security, economy, society, and humanitarian conditions, it should refrain from making hasty claims that would first spread false information.

Mr. Chairman, 

In closing, for the Islamic Republic of Iran, the best way to guarantee a safe and secure ICT environment is the developing of further international legal norms and rules concerning the prevention of the use of ICT and cyberspace for malicious purposes as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes in a legally binding instrument. 

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.