Mister President,
I would like to thank Under-Secretary General di Carlo, Ambassador Frazier and Ambassador Lambrinidis for their contributions,
Switzerland remains disappointed and concerned about the state of implementation of Resolution 2231 and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Switzerland has repeatedly expressed its deep concern about both the withdrawal of the United States from the JCPoA and the various measures taken by Iran.
And as we approach the tenth anniversary of the adoption of Resolution 2231, we deplore the fact that no progress has been made in the last four years towards a return to the implementation of its measures by all parties.
As conflicts in the region flare up, it remains essential to maintain this important element of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and of international security. Consequently, rapid and full implementation by all parties of their obligations is imperative and urgent, given that the expiry date of Resolution 2231 is less than a year away in October 2025.
We therefore believe it is vital to speed up the Security Council's commitment on three fronts in the coming months:
Firstly, compliance with the obligations arising from the JCPOA remains essential. In this respect, the latest reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) raise many questions about the overall increase in Iran's stocks of enriched uranium, in particular the recently increased 60 per cent enrichment capacity, and the difficulties encountered by the Agency in verifying the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme. More than 21 months after the joint declaration between the IAEA and Iran on 4 March 2023, no progress has been made, which is unsatisfactory. The commitments made under this agreement must be fully complied with by Iran without delay, and the Iranian authorities must cooperate rigorously, transparently and unequivocally with the Agency.
Secondly, a number of legal obligations arise from the Safeguards Agreement between Iran and the IAEA for the implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), besides the additional commitments undertaken by Iran under the JCPoA. These commitments must be fully respected by all States Parties. In this respect, we are particularly alarmed by narratives calling into question Iran's doctrine of never acquiring nuclear weapons. We also reiterate the need to fully implement the legally binding obligations relating to nuclear safeguards and the four resolutions of the IAEA Board of Governors, the last of which was adopted this November. Furthermore, mutual criticism of non-compliance with such obligations should not be seen as a reason not to pursue negotiations. This undermines the confidence needed to reach agreement and runs counter to the clearly expressed desire of Member States, most recently in the Pact for the Future, to advance nuclear disarmament. Finally, we are also concerned by the substantiated indications of the transfer from Iran to third countries of weapons systems such as drones, and even ballistic missiles, in possible violation of Security Council resolutions.
Thirdly, recent developments, in particular the risk of escalation into regional conflict, remind us of the importance of maintaining non-proliferation and nuclear disarmament. While this agreement is still a point of reference, we must work as quickly as possible to return to the path of negotiation and strengthen dialogue in the spirit that prevailed in Geneva, Lausanne and Vienna ten years ago. For it is through negotiation and respect for standards that trust, the cornerstone of the multilateral framework, is built. We call for the resumption of talks without delay, and remind those involved of the interest we all have in resolving the Iranian nuclear issue.
Mister President,
This Council must find a common voice on the issue of nuclear non-proliferation. Switzerland, as it has done in the past by hosting critical stages in the negotiations, stands ready to facilitate any diplomatic solution aimed at maintaining the non-proliferation regime.
Thank you.