Delivered By: Her Excellency Lana Nusseibeh, Ambassador and Permanent Representative

Madam President,

I would like to also begin by thanking Under-Secretary-General Di Carlo and Ambassador Skoog, for their comprehensive briefings.

I would also like to thank Ambassador Frazier for her work in briefing today in her capacity as Security Council Facilitator for the implementation of Resolution 2231.

We took note of the report of the Secretary-General, and we share his hope that the recent positive regional developments will facilitate the progress needed on Iran’s nuclear file and more broadly facilitate greater regional stability. The UAE is fully committed to that goal.

Today, I want to make three points to that effect.

First, we continue to call for dialogue and diplomacy to ensure that nuclear programs are exclusively peaceful.

The United Arab Emirates has consistently championed peaceful and diplomatic solutions for these regional and international challenges.

We continue to advocate for de-escalation of tensions, improved diplomatic relations, and greater economic cooperation within our region to underpin that direction of greater regional stability.

We recognize that diplomatic engagement is really crucial to addressing these concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear program as well and in order to pave the way towards a resolution that builds the required confidence and ensures all nuclear activities in Iran are exclusively peaceful. We also welcomed the resumption of diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Iran as a positive step in this direction.

Second, two elements are key for ensuring regional and global nuclear security:

The strict and timely compliance with international obligations, including JCPOA nuclear-related commitments and the full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

We commend the IAEA for its diligent efforts in monitoring and verifying Iran’s nuclear-related activities. Their detailed reporting is invaluable, and we take note of the recent developments as outlined in the Director General’s report of 31st May.

We remain concerned, however, about Iran’s step-by-step cessation of nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA since May 2019. This has led not only to a complete halt in the implementation of those commitments, including transparency measures and the Additional Protocol, but also to an alarming escalation.

As we heard from Under-Secretary-General Di Carlo, Iran’s estimated total enriched uranium stockpile is now more than 20 times the allowable amount under the JCPOA. Iran’s enrichment program has advanced to a level and a scale that is unjustifiable for civilian purposes and far exceeds the limits set out by the JCPOA.

The difficulties  of the Agency to perform their important verification activities for over two years has led to a significant degree of uncertainty and loss of confidence. It also poses substantial challenges in establishing a new baseline for these activities. 

We take note of the Joint Statement between the IAEA and Iran reached in March 2023 and the subsequent installation of a limited number of surveillance cameras and monitoring equipment by the IAEA. The process of implementing the activities set out in the joint statement needs to be sustained and uninterrupted in order for all of the commitments to be fulfilled.

Iran’s return to full compliance of its nuclear commitments, including its Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty safeguards, and complete cooperation with the IAEA is crucial. Not only will it foster confidence, but it would also contribute significantly to progress on addressing the concerns of the international community in relation to Iran’s nuclear program.

Finally, the report’s discussion of the seizure of ballistic missile components in the Gulf of Oman by the British Royal Navy is of particular concern to the United Arab Emirates.

The United Kingdom’s assessment that these components are of Iranian origin and transferred in a manner inconsistent with Resolution 2231 is deeply troubling.

The suggestion has been made that some of these components bear design characteristics and markings similar to those previously observed in the debris of ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis in Yemen towards Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This has severe implications for regional security and is of grave concern to my country.

We call on all parties to abide by their obligations and commit to the full implementation of Resolution 2231, including full compliance around ballistic missile technology testing.

We are convinced that cooperation and adherence to international law will help build trust and ensure nuclear non-proliferation, regional security, and support also the tangible benefits, the economic benefits, that are so needed for the Iranian people. 

Thank you, Madam President.