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Decades-Long Push for a Nuclear-Free Middle East Hits New Roadblocks at UN

A 50-year-old dream of a nuclear-free Middle East remains elusive. At the UN, accusations fly as nations clash over who's blocking progress—and why.

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2 min read
The image shows a poster with a map of Syria and Iraq, with text indicating the extent of the...
The image shows a poster with a map of Syria and Iraq, with text indicating the extent of the conflict between the two countries. The map is detailed, showing the various countries and their borders, as well as the major cities and bodies of water. The text on the poster provides additional information about the conflict, such as the names of the countries involved and the dates of the events.

Decades-Long Push for a Nuclear-Free Middle East Hits New Roadblocks at UN

Discussions on creating a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East have been ongoing for decades. The issue resurfaced during a UN General Assembly session, where countries debated obstacles and next steps. While some nations backed the idea, deep divisions remained over how to achieve it. Iran first proposed a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East in 1974. Decades later, the plan still faces major hurdles, with officials acknowledging that negotiations would be complex and lengthy. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) urged all states to prevent nuclear weapons from ever being used again and to push for their total elimination.

Israel's representative, Ron Prosor, supported the annual call for a nuclear-free zone but raised concerns about parts of the resolution. Iran's Eshagh Al Habib blamed Israel for blocking progress, citing its refusal to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and submit its nuclear sites to IAEA inspections. At a 2012 meeting, Ireland's Jim Kelly encouraged all Middle Eastern states to attend the planned Helsinki conference in December and engage constructively. Syria's Bashar Ja'Afari criticised the NPT review process for failing to set a clear timeline for nuclear-armed states to disarm. The Arab League put forward a resolution titled *Risk of Nuclear Proliferation in the Middle East*, which Israel argued shifted focus away from Iran and Syria's nuclear activities. Canada's Elissa Golberg called on Iran, Syria, and North Korea to fully meet their NPT obligations. Meanwhile, the UN's First Committee backed a conference aimed at removing all weapons of mass destruction from the region.

The push for a nuclear-free Middle East continues to face political and technical challenges. Countries remain divided over accountability, timelines, and participation. Without agreement on these issues, progress toward disarmament stays uncertain.

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