A four-week conference at the United Nations reviewing the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) concluded on Friday without reaching a consensus, as the United States and Iran remained at odds over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. The 191 parties to the treaty failed to agree on even a watered-down final document, marking the third consecutive review conference that ended without an agreement.
Iran's Nuclear Program at the Center of Disagreement
Vietnam's UN Ambassador Do Hung Viet, who chaired the conference, announced that no consensus was achieved. He noted that a key obstacle was a provision in the final draft stating that Iran “can never seek, develop or acquire any nuclear weapons.” While no single country blocked consensus, Ambassador Viet cited this provision as a significant reason for the failure.
Tensions over Iran's nuclear program have escalated since the start of the Iran war on February 28, which began with US and Israeli airstrikes. President Donald Trump stated that the war aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran has enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels but insists its program is solely for civilian purposes.
US and Iran Trade Accusations
The US and Iran have clashed since the conference opened on April 27. The US accused Iran of showing “contempt” for its NPT commitments, while Iran claimed that US and Israeli attacks on its nuclear facilities violated international law. Iran, as a party to the NPT, is required to allow inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) but has denied access to sites bombed by the US last June.
Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, explained that the US insisted on naming Iran in the outcome document for its noncompliance, including refusal of inspections. Iran objected to being singled out and demanded condemnation of the US and Israel for attacking its nuclear sites, which was not included.
In final speeches, the US called Iran a “prolific treaty violator” and accused it of shirking accountability. Iran countered that the US and its allies conducted a “relentless campaign” to legitimize their unlawful attacks.
Concerns Over the NPT's Future
Kimball noted that while rhetorical support for the NPT remains strong, its foundations are cracking due to inaction and intransigence by major powers. He called for more enlightened and pragmatic leadership to prevent an unconstrained nuclear buildup and the risk of a nuclear-armed Iran.
Rebecca Johnson of the Acronym Institute criticized both the US and Russia, the largest nuclear powers, for doubling down on nuclear threats and undermining disarmament commitments.
The previous review in August 2022 also failed due to Russia blocking agreement over its invasion of Ukraine and references to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant occupation.
