Statement by H.E. Mr. Kazem GHARIB ABADI before the High-Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament

Geneva 23 February 2026

Statement

By

H.E. Mr. Kazem GHARIB ABADI

Deputy Foreign Minister for International and Legal Affairs  of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Before

The High-Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament

Geneva, 23 February 2026

 

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Mr. President,

I am honored to address the High-level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

We convene at a time when international peace and security face mounting and complex challenges. Armed conflicts persist across regions, occupation and heinous crimes in the Middle East endure, and the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law are too often disregarded. The erosion of multilateralism and the rise of reckless unilateral behavior have further deepened mistrust among states, contributing to a renewed and dangerous cycle of arms competition, including in the nuclear domain.

The persistence of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction constitutes a perilous threat to humanity, to global stability, and to the very foundations of international law. Nuclear arsenals, instead of being dismantled, remain entrenched in the security doctrines of certain states — this contradiction undermines the moral and legal architecture of the global non-proliferation regime.

Nuclear weapons remain the gravest danger that civilizations face. Their use — intentional or accidental — would have catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences that no nation, no people, and no generation can afford to endure. It is therefore incumbent upon this Conference and the broader international community to recommit, with urgency and resolve, to the complete, irreversible, and verifiable elimination of all nuclear weapons.

Equally concerning is the accelerating militarization of outer space. The characterization of outer space as a potential battlefield by certain states, alongside initiatives that envisage new layers of strategic defense, risks transforming a domain that is the common heritage of humankind into another arena of confrontation. The misuse of space technologies in ways that infringe upon the sovereignty of States further compounds these challenges. Preserving outer space exclusively for peaceful purposes is a shared responsibility.

In this context, the role of multilateral disarmament mechanisms, particularly the Conference on Disarmament as the sole multilateral negotiating forum on disarmament, is indispensable. Revitalizing its negotiating mandate and overcoming longstanding deadlock are urgent imperatives if we are to advance toward a world free of nuclear weapons and prevent the weaponization of outer space.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) constitutes the cornerstone of global non-proliferation and disarmament efforts. The Islamic Republic of Iran has long upheld its obligations under the NPT and remains steadfast in its commitment to the mutual objectives enshrined therein. As affirmed earlier this week in Geneva, Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy is inherent, non-negotiable, and legally binding under international law. This right cannot be arbitrarily suspended or denied as a precondition for negotiations.

Iran reaffirms unequivocally that it does not possess, has not sought, and will never seek nuclear weapons. Our nuclear program is strictly peaceful, guided by law and policy that reject weapons of mass destruction. This position is rooted not only in our treaty obligations but in deeply held ethical and religious principles that view nuclear arms as incompatible with the security and dignity of all peoples.

Mr. President,

Meaningful progress in disarmament and non-proliferation can only be achieved through mutual, balanced, and legally binding commitments. It is neither fair nor sustainable for some states to demand restrictions or actions from others while failing to fulfill their own obligations, particularly regarding disarmament under Article VI of the NPT. This double standard erodes confidence in the international framework and fuels mistrust among nations.

We call upon the nuclear-weapon states to honor their disarmament commitments without delay, and to engage constructively in negotiations toward a comprehensive nuclear weapons convention and legally binding security assurances for non-nuclear–weapon states.

The Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to diplomacy and dialogue as the most effective path toward de-escalation and sustainable security. Recent diplomatic engagements here in Geneva, which will continue this Thursday, demonstrate that a new window of opportunity exists for negotiations to address differences and build confidence, provided that they uphold mutual respect, equitable treatment, and non-selective application of international norms.

We emphasize that any sustainable and credible negotiation must respect the legitimate rights of all states under international law and deliver tangible security benefits without coercion, unilateral demands, or threats of force.

At the same time, let me be clear: while Iran chooses diplomacy, we are fully prepared to defend our sovereignty, territorial integrity, and people. As demonstrated in our response to the aggression of June 2025, we will exercise our inherent right to self-defense under the Charter of the United Nations if necessary. We call upon all nations committed to peace and justice to take meaningful steps to prevent further escalation. The consequences of any renewed aggression wouldn't remain confined to one country, and responsibility would rest with those who initiate or support such actions.

Excellences,

 Iran has consistently called for the establishment of a zone free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East since 1974, a vision that has yet to be realized due to persistent obstacles and selective enforcement of international norms. All parties must be held equally accountable to their obligations. The continued existence of weapons of mass destruction in the possession of the Israeli regime and its recurrent nuclear rhetoric and threats remain a source of grave concern. Achieving such a Zone requires adherence to the NPT and the placement of all nuclear facilities in the region under comprehensive safeguards.

In closing, the dire threats of nuclear proliferation and the proliferation of other weapons of mass destruction demand our collective leadership, creativity, and steadfast commitment to the principles of justice, equality, and shared security. Iran stands ready to work with all member states to strengthen the international disarmament architecture, to revitalize multilateral negotiations, and to realize the noble aspiration of a world free from the scourge of nuclear weapons.

The choice before us is simple, yet profound: to persist in the perilous status quo, or to act courageously for genuine disarmament and durable peace. Iran urges the international community to choose the latter — for the sake of present and future generations.

Peace cannot be sustained through coercion, pressure, or threats; it is founded on dialogue, mutual respect, respect for international law, and genuine multilateral engagement. We therefore reaffirm our shared responsibility to strengthen multilateralism, renew our commitment to the Charter of the United Nations, and advance with determination and good faith toward a safer, more secure world for all.

I thank you.

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