Kuwait: Complete Elimination of Nuclear Weapons Represents Sole Guarantee to Prevent Their Use

New York, October 19 (KUNA) -- The State of Kuwait affirmed on Monday evening that the complete elimination of nuclear weapons represents the sole guarantee against their use, warning that the accumulation, development, and threat of use of such weapons undermine international security and place peoples under the threat of annihilation. This was stated in the address delivered by Kuwait’s Diplomatic Attaché, Jirah Al-Anzi, before the First Committee (Disarmament and International Security) of the UN General Assembly during the discussion of the agenda item on nuclear weapons.

Al-Anzi reiterated Kuwait’s steadfast commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the balanced implementation of its three pillars, expressing regret that the 2026 NPT Review Conference failed to reach a consensus final document. He cautioned that the failure to reach consensus does not negate obligations, particularly those under Article VI, and called for practical, verifiable steps toward nuclear disarmament within clear timeframes, as well as the provision of effective, unconditional, and legally binding security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon states, guaranteeing that these weapons will not be used or threatened against them until their complete elimination.

Regarding the Iranian nuclear file, Al-Anzi emphasized the importance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors’ resolutions to inform the Security Council and the General Assembly of its decisions and the relevant report by the Director General. He called on Iran to address its non-compliance with its safeguards obligations, provide the necessary information, and grant access to inspectors. He stressed that confidence in the peaceful nature of nuclear programs is built on verifiability, and that cooperation with the IAEA is a legal obligation requiring full compliance. He noted Kuwait’s support for a diplomatic solution that addresses existing concerns and preserves the security and stability of the region.

Al-Anzi also renewed Kuwait’s call on the international community to take serious steps to urge the Israeli occupation to join the NPT as a non-nuclear-weapon state and to subject all its nuclear facilities and activities to comprehensive safeguards. He warned that the continued exemption of the occupying entity entrenches insecurity and undermines the credibility of non-proliferation, emphasizing that sustainable regional security cannot be built on unequal commitments and selective application.

Al-Anzi reaffirmed Kuwait’s firm support for the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone and a zone free from other weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, and for the implementation of the 1995 resolution on this matter. He wished the Sultanate of Oman success in its presidency of the seventh session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction, and progress toward a legally binding treaty with the participation of all regional parties.

He noted that during Kuwait’s presidency of the IAEA Board of Governors for the period 2026–2027, it will work to safeguard the independence of technical assessments, facilitate consensus that supports the verification and implementation of obligations, and enhance technical cooperation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy to serve countries and their peoples.

Al-Anzi concluded Kuwait’s address by emphasizing that the credibility of the disarmament and non-proliferation regime is measured by the commitments implemented by states and the progress achieved toward a nuclear-weapon-free world. He called for transforming resolutions into tangible action that safeguards the security of peoples and their right to peace and development. (End) A.S.T. / S.A.M.