Iran Alerts UN Disarmament Conference: Israel’s WMDs Pose Major Global Security Threat

In a significant address at the United Nations disarmament conference in Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi highlighted the urgent issue of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), particularly focusing on the threat posed by Israel’s nuclear arsenal. This warning underscores the broader implications for both regional and global peace and security.

During the 2025 Conference on Disarmament High-level Segment held at the UN headquarters on Monday, Araghchi articulated his concerns about Israel’s possession of WMDs. He noted that:

• Israel’s nuclear capabilities hinder efforts for a nuclear-weapon-free Middle East, a concept first proposed by Iran in 1974.
• The international community must demand accountability from Israel and insist that it joins the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
• There is an urgent need for Israel to eliminate its nuclear weapons and allow comprehensive oversight of its nuclear activities by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Araghchi expressed grave concern regarding the potential catastrophic consequences of nuclear weapons, both human and environmental, urging the international community and the United Nations to prioritize nuclear disarmament. He stressed the necessity of:

1. Establishing a comprehensive convention on nuclear weapons.
2. Holding nuclear-armed states accountable for their legal obligations.

He warned that a failure to adhere to legally binding obligations, particularly those outlined in Article 6 of the NPT, could undermine the entire disarmament and arms control framework. Furthermore, Araghchi cautioned against the escalation of armed conflicts, highlighting that:

• Many nations, under the guise of security, are investing heavily in weapon production and storage.
• This approach perpetuates a vicious cycle of insecurity and violence both regionally and globally.

He condemned the extreme violence and humanitarian crises resulting from the Israeli regime’s actions in the Gaza Strip, which have led to:

• The destruction of the region and the tragic loss of tens of thousands of lives, primarily among children, women, and the elderly.
• An unprecedented number of journalists, medical personnel, and UN staff casualties during armed conflict.
• War crimes, ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, and mass starvation that must not go unpunished.

Araghchi’s remarks come in the context of a UN General Assembly resolution from 1978, which established mechanisms for disarmament, including the Conference on Disarmament— the only multilateral body dedicated to disarmament and arms control. Each year, the UN Conference on Disarmament High-Level Segment takes place in Geneva, where high-ranking officials from member countries discuss critical issues related to international peace, security, disarmament, and arms control.