Statement by H.E. Ambassador SHINO Mitsuko, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the United Nations Security Council, Agenda item “Non-Proliferation (Iran/2231)”
2023/7/6
(As delivered)
Thank you, Madam President.
I thank USG DiCarlo, Ambassador Fraizer, and Ambassador Skoog for their informative briefings.
Madam President,
Japan reiterates its continued support for the JCPOA, which strengthens the international non-proliferation regime and contributes to the peace and stability of the Middle East.
The exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program must be ensured through the full implementation of the JCPOA and by the IAEA’s verification and monitoring activities. The Agency’s safeguards are a fundamental component of the nuclear non-proliferation regime under the NPT. Each Member State including Iran must act in a manner that preserves the integrity of the safeguards system in cooperation with the Agency.
Madam President,
Japan is deeply concerned about the expansion of Iran's nuclear activities beyond the limits of its commitments under the JCPOA, following the regrettable withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA. This includes enhanced uranium enrichment up to 60% U-235 and its storage, and the expansion of advanced centrifuges, as well as Iran’s suspension of its voluntary application of the Additional Protocol. We strongly hope for the immediate return to full compliance with the commitments under the JCPOA by all relevant countries.
While taking note of the start of implementation of the Joint Statement between the IAEA and Iran of March 2023, Japan calls on Iran to fully cooperate with the Agency in the full and unconditional implementation of the Joint Statement without delay to address its nuclear issues including the outstanding safeguards issues.
The restoration of the JCPOA will require a process of sincere confidence-building among the relevant countries, particularly between the U.S. and Iran. Diplomacy remains the only viable solution, and Japan will proactively contribute towards facilitating dialogue among the relevant countries to resolve this issue.
Madam President,
With regards to other non-proliferation issues related to Iran, it is important for Iran to seriously address concerns raised by JCPOA participants and other UN Member States in relation to Annex B of Resolution 2231.
Japan is deeply concerned about a series of allegations related to Iran’s possible proliferation activities, including the transfer of missiles, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), and related technologies from Iran to recipients within and beyond the Middle East region. We urge all UN Member States, including Iran, to abide by Resolution 2231, particularly Annex B4.
In this regard, we must once again strongly condemn the transfer of UAVs from Iran to Russia. Even if this transfer took place prior to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, as claimed by Iran, prior permission from the Security Council would have been necessary, and any transfer without permission would constitute a violation of Resolution 2231. We therefore would support efforts by the UN Secretariat to investigate the potential Russian use of Iranian drones in its war of aggression.
Finally, Japan believes that only dialogue and cooperation can ease tensions in the Middle East. Thus, we welcome the normalization agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Japan is also committed to continuing its diplomatic efforts to ease tensions based on our friendly, constructive relations with countries in the region, including Iran.
I thank you, Madam President.
I thank USG DiCarlo, Ambassador Fraizer, and Ambassador Skoog for their informative briefings.
Madam President,
Japan reiterates its continued support for the JCPOA, which strengthens the international non-proliferation regime and contributes to the peace and stability of the Middle East.
The exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program must be ensured through the full implementation of the JCPOA and by the IAEA’s verification and monitoring activities. The Agency’s safeguards are a fundamental component of the nuclear non-proliferation regime under the NPT. Each Member State including Iran must act in a manner that preserves the integrity of the safeguards system in cooperation with the Agency.
Madam President,
Japan is deeply concerned about the expansion of Iran's nuclear activities beyond the limits of its commitments under the JCPOA, following the regrettable withdrawal of the United States from the JCPOA. This includes enhanced uranium enrichment up to 60% U-235 and its storage, and the expansion of advanced centrifuges, as well as Iran’s suspension of its voluntary application of the Additional Protocol. We strongly hope for the immediate return to full compliance with the commitments under the JCPOA by all relevant countries.
While taking note of the start of implementation of the Joint Statement between the IAEA and Iran of March 2023, Japan calls on Iran to fully cooperate with the Agency in the full and unconditional implementation of the Joint Statement without delay to address its nuclear issues including the outstanding safeguards issues.
The restoration of the JCPOA will require a process of sincere confidence-building among the relevant countries, particularly between the U.S. and Iran. Diplomacy remains the only viable solution, and Japan will proactively contribute towards facilitating dialogue among the relevant countries to resolve this issue.
Madam President,
With regards to other non-proliferation issues related to Iran, it is important for Iran to seriously address concerns raised by JCPOA participants and other UN Member States in relation to Annex B of Resolution 2231.
Japan is deeply concerned about a series of allegations related to Iran’s possible proliferation activities, including the transfer of missiles, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), and related technologies from Iran to recipients within and beyond the Middle East region. We urge all UN Member States, including Iran, to abide by Resolution 2231, particularly Annex B4.
In this regard, we must once again strongly condemn the transfer of UAVs from Iran to Russia. Even if this transfer took place prior to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, as claimed by Iran, prior permission from the Security Council would have been necessary, and any transfer without permission would constitute a violation of Resolution 2231. We therefore would support efforts by the UN Secretariat to investigate the potential Russian use of Iranian drones in its war of aggression.
Finally, Japan believes that only dialogue and cooperation can ease tensions in the Middle East. Thus, we welcome the normalization agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Japan is also committed to continuing its diplomatic efforts to ease tensions based on our friendly, constructive relations with countries in the region, including Iran.
I thank you, Madam President.