Delivered By: HE Mohamed Abushahab, Ambassador and Permanent Representative
Mr. President,
I would like to congratulate you once again on assuming the presidency of this Review Conference. The United Arab Emirates stands ready to work constructively under your leadership toward a credible, balanced and action-oriented outcome. We call on all States Parties to engage in a spirit of flexibility and shared responsibility with a renewed commitment to consensus.
The UAE aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the Arab Group and the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament.
Mr. President,
At a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and mounting pressures on international peace and security, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons remains indispensable as a cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and for advancing nuclear disarmament.
The total elimination of nuclear weapons remains the only absolute guarantee against the use or threat of use of such weapons.
At the same time, the peaceful uses of nuclear energy constitute an inalienable right of all States Parties, to be exercised in conformity with the Treaty.
The UAE continues to demonstrate that a peaceful nuclear energy programme can be developed responsibly, transparently, and in full compliance with international obligations. Our national experience serves as a practical model of how the NPT framework enables the safe and secure development of nuclear energy while reinforcing international confidence.
In this context, we underscore the central role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in verifying compliance and safeguarding the integrity of the non-proliferation regime. We reaffirm the importance of universal adherence to the Additional Protocol as a critical instrument for strengthening transparency and building confidence in exclusively peaceful nuclear programs. We also reiterate the importance of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and call on all States that have not yet done so, to sign and ratify it without delay.
Mr. President,
The UAE has consistently expressed deep concern regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran’s conduct, particularly in relation to its nuclear activities, missile program, and destabilizing behavior in the region.
The UAE condemns in the strongest terms Iran’s missile and drone attacks, which commenced on 28 February 2026 against the UAE and other countries in the region that are not parties to the conflict with Iran. This unprovoked aggression by Iran and the deliberate targeting of civilians, civilian objects, and critical infrastructure, constitutes a grave violation of international law.
This broader pattern of aggression and terrorism cannot be separated from the serious and longstanding concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. A State that unleashes large-scale, unprovoked attacks against its neighbors, while simultaneously restricting international verification, cannot credibly assert the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities.
The continued inability of the IAEA to verify that Iran’s nuclear material is exclusively for peaceful purposes, due to insufficient cooperation and restricted access, is a serious proliferation concern. Iran’s enrichment of uranium up to 60 per cent – a degree of enrichment that has no credible civilian justification – further heightens international alarm.
The UAE therefore calls on Iran to immediately restore full, unconditional, and sustained cooperation with the IAEA; to provide complete transparency regarding its nuclear program; and to comply fully and without conditions with its safeguards obligations.
Mr. President,
Iran is not the only country whose actions are raising concerns. Similar proliferation challenges persist beyond our region, including the continued development of nuclear and ballistic missile programs by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, which threatens regional and international security and stability.
This Review Conference therefore remains as relevant and indispensable as ever, and the seriousness of the challenges before us must be reflected in the ambition of its outcome.
The UAE reaffirms its commitment to working with all partners in pursuit of a safer world, free of nuclear weapons.
I thank you, Mr. President.
__________________________________________
UAE Intervention at the 11th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
Mr. President,
I would like to congratulate you on your election as President and assure you of our full support as you guide the work of this Review Conference.
The United Arab Emirates takes the floor to place on record our strongest objection to the election of the Islamic Republic of Iran as a Vice President of this Review Conference.
We deeply regret that Iran has been elected to a position of responsibility in a Conference whose central purpose is to uphold, protect, and strengthen the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
The Vice Presidency of this Conference should be entrusted to States Parties that respect their international obligations, uphold the integrity of the NPT, and contribute to regional and international peace and security.
Iran’s record demonstrates a blatant disregard for those obligations.
Iran continues to violate its safeguards obligations.
It continues to obstruct the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
And it continues to reject the transparency required of every responsible State Party.
Iran’s conduct raises serious and persistent concerns about the integrity of the non-proliferation regime and its appointment to Vice President harms the credibility of this Review Conference.
A State Party that refuses to meet its safeguards obligations cannot credibly help lead a Conference built on those very safeguards.
A State Party that obstructs verification cannot credibly preside over discussions on transparency and trust.
And a State Party that undermines the authority of the IAEA should not be responsible for a process that depends on the vital work of that Agency.
Mr. President,
Iran’s destabilizing conduct is not limited to the nuclear file. Its unlawful and brutal actions since 28 February have been in direct contrast to the aims and spirit of this Review Conference.
A country that attacks its neighbors, threatens freedom of navigation, and seeks to use the Strait of Hormuz as a tool of global economic coercion, cannot be entrusted with a leadership role in a Conference dedicated to peace, security, and non-proliferation.
If a State Party can disregard its obligations, undermine verification, destabilize its region, threaten international waterways, and still be elevated to a leadership position in this process, then we must ask what message this Conference is sending.
This decision rewards irresponsible conduct. It weakens confidence in the Review Conference. And it risks damaging the credibility of the NPT review process at a time when that credibility must be strengthened, not compromised.
The United Arab Emirates therefore formally and unequivocally dissociates itself from the election of Iran as Vice President of this Review Conference.
Thank you, Mr. President