Araghchi at the Chemical Weapons Convention: Military Coercion Has Replaced Law in Today’s World

According to Rokna, citing the government’s official information portal, Seyed Abbas Araghchi said at the Chemical Weapons Convention: “The Chemical Weapons Convention was established as a product of collective wisdom to prevent the terror of using chemical weapons.”

He added that Iranians have experienced the suffering caused by these weapons through Saddam Hussein’s use against both military personnel and civilians during the eight-year war. This suffering remains visible on the faces of veterans and civilian victims of these weapons. For Iran and the international community, Sardasht is a symbolic name representing the prevention of chemical weapons use and justice for victims. Sardasht symbolizes citizens and fighters targeted during the eight-year war.

The Foreign Minister emphasized that many individuals still bear the suffering of these weapons. Despite the passage of years, there is still no global restriction preventing the use of these weapons, and fear of their use remains. Iran demanded justice against Saddam Hussein for his use of chemical weapons, but at that time, no one supported this and no one held him accountable. Iran continues to call for responsibility and investigation of countries and companies that assisted in the procurement, production, and use of Saddam’s chemical weapons.

Referring to Article 2 of the United Nations Charter and its emphasis on preventing the recurrence of war-induced terror for nations, Araghchi noted: “What occurs in our region—aggression, genocide, and expansionism by the Israeli regime with the support and acquiescence of European countries and the United States—demonstrates that a rule-based order has long been set aside regarding chemical weapons. It is not surprising that Israel has used cluster munitions and other weapons against Lebanon and Gaza. These actions, alongside the unlawful behaviors of Israel and the United States in our region, are more apparent than ever.”

He added that over the past two years in the occupied Palestinian territories, Israelis have committed genocide with full immunity and attacked seven countries. Israel’s illegal attack last June, accompanied by U.S. support, shows that in today’s world, military coercion has replaced law. Israel and U.S. attacks on Iran not only violate the UN Charter but also constitute a serious blow to international law and the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The intensification of arms and nuclear radiation leaks could threaten areas beyond Iran.

The Foreign Minister further stated that the U.S. President recently acknowledged with indisputable documents his involvement in Israel’s attack on Iran, highlighting America’s responsibility for violating the immunity of regions and nuclear facilities. Accordingly, the Chemical Weapons Convention must continue to fulfill its responsibilities free from any influence, political pressure, or interference. Israel remains the sole obstacle to a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction. However, when these weapons are in the hands of a rogue and unlawful regime, they can threaten our planet.

Araghchi emphasized that Israel must join this convention and be subjected to clear and specific inspections. Nevertheless, achievements made so far will only be sustainable if member states pursue objectives without double standards, demonstrating collective responsibility to restore trust in this institution among member states. Some other countries must also clarify official reports and previous concerns raised in earlier sessions.

He stated that transparency mechanisms are the most important tools of this institution. Iran has repeatedly raised concerns through various channels regarding the U.S.’s obligations and non-compliance with this convention. The United States remains the largest source of chemical weapons, while other countries continue to overlook its actions, undermining trust in this institution. Even 28 years after the convention’s implementation and members’ commitment to converting chemical weapons into peaceful instruments, European countries’ actions continue to challenge this goal.

The Foreign Minister added that sanctions imposed by other countries on Iran, a victim of these weapons, have hindered Iran’s ability to provide medical treatment for victims. It must be clarified which countries and companies were involved in Saddam Hussein’s chemical weapons program.

Araghchi concluded by congratulating the selection of the new delegation for the 2026 and 2027 programs.