Delivered By: Mr. Mohamed Boausaibah, Second Secretary
Mr. Chair,
The United Arab Emirates aligns itself with the statements of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Arab Group.
We strongly support the objective of strengthening the global non-proliferation regime.
Nuclear non-proliferation remains paramount for regional and global security, stability, and conflict prevention. Amid persistent proliferation concerns, it is essential that states pursuing nuclear programs fully adhere to the comprehensive verification measures mandated by the IAEA safeguards system.
Ratification and implementation of the Additional Protocol, which complements IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements (CSA), is indispensable for providing credible assurances against the existence of undeclared nuclear materials and activities.
Strengthening these commitments is vital for fostering international confidence in the peaceful intent of national nuclear programs. The UAE continues to strongly advocate for universal adoption and application of the Additional Protocol alongside the CSA, and we urge all States Parties that have not yet implemented these instruments to do so promptly.
Mr. Chair,
The UAE firmly supports the IAEA’s impartial execution of nuclear safeguards and verification activities, reinforcing the non-proliferation pillar of the NPT and thereby strengthening global security. We welcome efforts to enhance the IAEA’s verification capabilities and stress the importance of providing the Agency with the necessary resources to carry out its Safeguards mandate.
Addressing compliance concerns within the NPT framework is crucial. States found non-compliant with their safeguards obligations must cooperate fully with the IAEA and promptly address international concerns, consistent with their international obligations, including relevant IAEA and United Nations Security Council resolutions.
With regard to Iran’s nuclear activities, the continued impairment of the IAEA’s verification and monitoring capabilities, as detailed in recent IAEA reports, particularly relating to activities mandated under UNSC Resolution 2231 (2015), remains of a deep concern. Iran’s cessation of previously agreed verification measures, including its suspension of the implementation of the Additional Protocol, significantly undermines international confidence.
We remain concerned by Iran’s deviation from its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), notably its expansion of enriched uranium stockpiles, enrichment activities at 20% and 60% enrichment levels, and deployment of advanced centrifuges, and enrichment beyond agreed commitments. Such actions lack plausible peaceful justifications and pose considerable regional and international risks.
The UAE remains committed to diplomatic engagement and dialogue to resolve concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. Meaningful progress requires verifiable, timely, and comprehensive responses from Iran to all outstanding safeguards concerns. We urge Iran to engage with the Agency in substance and refrain from actions undermining the IAEA’s verification regime.
Mr. Chair,
The longstanding goal of establishing a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the Middle East remains critically important. The annual adoption by the UN General Assembly of resolutions advocating for this goal, alongside numerous Security Council and IAEA calls for progress, underscores the international community’s commitment to this issue.
The lack of concrete progress, particularly highlighted by the failure of the 2015 and 2022 NPT Review Conferences and the missed opportunity of the 2012 Middle East Conference, continues to be a source of disappointment for the UAE and the broader region.
Advancing this initiative requires practical, tangible steps and renewed efforts, especially from the depository states responsible as co-sponsors of the 1995 resolution on the Middle East. The UAE is committed to constructive engagement throughout this review cycle, aiming for meaningful outcomes supporting the establishment of a Middle East zone free of nuclear weapons and other WMD.
Mr. Chair,
Strengthening nuclear non-proliferation efforts remains essential for achieving lasting international peace and security. Effective reinforcement of global non-proliferation frameworks—including robust verification measures, stringent export controls, and earnest disarmament efforts—is imperative.
Thank you.