Middle East Nuclear and WMD-Free Zone

Algeria, on Tuesday in New York, through its Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mr. Ammar Bendjama, affirmed the necessity of establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone and a zone free of all forms of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, expressing its readiness to work with all partners to implement international law and enhance the integrity of the global non-proliferation system.

Mr. Bendjama, in his speech during a UN Security Council session on “Non-Proliferation,” which was dedicated to discussing the implementation of Resolution 2231 of 2015, which endorsed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear program, stressed the “necessity of establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone and a zone free of all other forms of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East,” explaining that “this zone will represent a fundamental step forward for regional and international peace and security.”

After noting that this Security Council briefing is the last on the implementation of this resolution, which expires on October 18 of this year, the Algerian delegate explained that “this session is being held during a critical phase,” adding: “We are holding this meeting with cautious optimism, a real sense of relief after the announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and the Zionist entity mediated by the United States and Qatar.”

Mr. Bendjama expressed Algeria’s welcome of this “important diplomatic achievement that put an end to twelve days of dangerous escalation, and it also provides the necessary space for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy.”

The Algerian diplomat then warned that “recent developments have demonstrated the fragility of our collective security and the serious risks associated with targeting nuclear facilities, especially those subject to IAEA safeguards,” explaining that the events of the past few days “have shown the urgent need to apply the principles of the nuclear non-proliferation system and refrain from any action that could undermine its integrity,” Benjama added.

In this context, Mr. Bendjama recalled Security Council Resolution 487, which called on the Zionist entity to place its nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, more than four decades ago, but to this day, it has ignored this call and has not responded to or implemented it.

Speaking about the announced ceasefire, Mr. Bendjama pointed out that it “represents a golden opportunity to strengthen the rules related to the global non-proliferation system without any selectivity and away from double standards,” stressing that “Algeria stands ready to work with all partners to implement international law and enhance the integrity of the global non-proliferation system, which is a cornerstone of our common security.”

He highlighted in this context that the ceasefire also “represents a positive development and reminds us of the importance of respecting international legal rules, including those contained in the IAEA safeguards system,” explaining that “these safeguards are essential in ensuring that nuclear energy is used purely for peaceful purposes.”

In this regard, he reiterated “the importance of the full and balanced implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action by all parties, including the provisions related to the lifting of sanctions,” noting that this “remains a key component and provides a practical framework for addressing concerns related to Iran’s nuclear program through dialogue, transparency, and verifiability.”

He cited in this regard what UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his report, that “diplomacy remains the best and only way to address concerns related to Iran’s nuclear program and issues related to regional security.”