UN nuclear watchdog adopts resolution calling for nuclear-weapon-free zone in Middle East

ISTANBUL

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) adopted on Friday a resolution calling for the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East.

At its 69th General Conference, the resolution, proposed by Egypt, was approved with 120 votes in favor, none against, and seven abstentions.

The resolution urged all countries in the region to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and emphasized the "urgent need" for Middle Eastern states to subject all nuclear activities to the IAEA's comprehensive safeguards. It stressed that such a step would help to strengthen regional peace and security.

It urged all parties concerned to take the necessary steps toward establishing the zone and urged states not to engage in actions that could jeopardize related efforts.

The IAEA also appealed to all countries, particularly those with responsibilities for maintaining international peace and security, to facilitate the implementation of the resolution and provide full support to the IAEA director general.

Until the zone is established, the resolution demanded that regional countries avoid actions such as developing, producing, testing, or otherwise acquiring nuclear weapons, describing such measures as undermining the goal.

Ukraine-related resolution

Separately, the IAEA adopted a resolution concerning nuclear facilities in Ukraine. That decision passed with 62 votes in favor, seven against, and 46 abstentions.

It called on Russia to immediately halt all actions against Ukrainian nuclear facilities and expressed concern over Moscow’s continued disregard for appeals to withdraw its military and other personnel from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Egypt’s stance

Egypt has been vocal in its calls for a nuclear-weapon-free Middle East.

On Sept. 13, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry reiterated its appeal for universal adherence to the NPT “particularly in the Middle East,” arguing that this would ensure all regional states join the treaty without exception and place their nuclear facilities under IAEA oversight.

The ministry also stressed the critical importance of a Middle East free of nuclear weapons, urging the international community to seriously address what it described as a grave threat to humanity posed by nuclear weapons and to ensure the treaty’s full implementation.

Israel remains the only country in the Middle East that is not a party to the NPT.