Nuclear Nonproliferation in Iran

Nuclear Nonproliferation in Iran in 2013

United States views on international law [1] in relation to Nuclear Nonproliferation in Iran: On May 13, 2013, the United States provided a statement in protest of Iran's rotation as President of the Conference on Disarmament (“CD”). Erin Pelton, spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the UN, delivered the statement, excerpted below, and available at (link resource) usun.state.gov/briefing/statements/209337.htm.

Some Aspects of Nuclear Nonproliferation in Iran

Iran's upcoming rotation as President of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) is unfortunate and highly inappropriate. The United States continues to believe that countries that are under Chapter VII sanctions for weapons proliferation or massive human-rights abuses should be barred from any formal or ceremonial positions in UN bodies.

Developments

While the presidency of the CD is largely ceremonial and involves no substantive responsibilities, allowing Iran–a country that is in flagrant violation of its obligations under multiple UN Security Council Resolutions and to the IAEA Board of Governors–to hold such a position runs counter to the goals and objectives of the Conference on Disarmament itself. As a result, the United States will not be represented at the ambassadorial level during any meeting presided over by Iran.

Details

On October 3, 2013, Under U.S. Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy R. Sherman testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on “Reversing Iran's Nuclear Program.” Her testimony, excerpted below, is available at (Secretary of State website) state.gov/p/us/rm/2013/215094.htm.

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As requested, I will speak about recent talks with the Iranian government at the UN General Assembly in New York, the status of our negotiations, our continued effort to put pressure on the Iranian government, and a potential path forward for diplomacy—including the core actions needed to reach a verifiable agreement with Iran.

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The Iranian presidential election last June focused on the economy. Questions of how to engage with the international community on the nuclear file were front and center as President Rouhani, a former nuclear negotiator himself, ran against candidates that included then-current negotiator Saeed Jalili. Rouhani made the case that the failure to pursue a serious agreement on Iran's nuclear program was devastating the Iranian economy—and he won the election.

Nuclear Nonproliferation in Iran in 2013 (Continuation)

United States views on international law [1] in relation to Nuclear Nonproliferation in Iran: President Rouhani says he has a mandate—both a popular mandate from the Iranian people and a mandate from Supreme Leader Khamenei—to secure sanctions relief and improve Iran's economic situation, which can only be accomplished by pursuing an agreement that satisfies the international community's concerns over Iran's nuclear program.

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As the President reaffirmed last week, we are prepared to test that proposition in a serious way. But we must do our part to ensure the success of this effort and to avoid any measures that could prematurely inhibit our ability to secure a diplomatic solution. Here it will be important that we—the Executive and U.S. Congress—remain in close consultation with each other, and that we ensure we can continue to show the Iranian government that the international community remains finnly united as we begin this process.

Development

Review of Last Week's P5+1 Meeting

Last week, Secretary Kerry and I met with Foreign Minister Zarifand the Foreign Ministers of the P5+ I countries in New York on the margins of the UN General Assembly. Although we have indicated we are open to bilateral dialogue with the Iranians, we have emphasized that a nuclear deal would be concluded and implemented by the P5+ I.

Details

In our New York meeting, we made clear that we seek an agreement that respects the right of the Iranian people to access peaceful nuclear energy while ensuring to the world that Iran meets its responsibilities under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and UN Security Council resolutions.

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Foreign Minister Zarif gave a thoughtful presentation and set forth some ideas on how to proceed. He told us that Iran does not seek nuclear weapons and detailed the reasons why it did not make sense for Iran to possess nuclear weapons. We also made clear in return that his words alone, while welcome, are not enough. The test will lie in Iran's actions, to include the development and implementation of specific confidence building measures as well as actions that ultimately address all of our concerns.

Resources

Notes

1. Nuclear Nonproliferation in Iran in the Digest of United States Practice in International Law

Resources

Notes

1. Nuclear Nonproliferation in Iran in the Digest of United States Practice in International Law