Statement on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Safeguards
Mr. President,
The united Kingdom firmly believes in the vital importance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as the central pillar of global nuclear security and the peaceful application of nuclear technologies. This commitment is unwavering,demonstrated by our consistent position as a leading annual contributor to the IAEA’s Nuclear Security Fund. We actively support the Technical Co-operation Program, currently providing over £1.2 million to the Agency’s Atoms4Food initiative, furthering it’s beneficial applications. We strongly encourage all states to complete ratification of the Amended Convention for the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, a crucial instrument for civil nuclear security worldwide.
Mr. president,
The UK, the United States, and Australia are engaged in regular, transparent consultations with the IAEA Secretariat regarding the safeguards and verification framework for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine programme. The AUKUS Naval Nuclear Propulsion Agreement, entering into force in January, and the subsequent UK-Australia Geelong Treaty signed in July, formally solidify our dedication to upholding the highest non-proliferation standards. We are committed to keeping the international community informed and welcome the Director General’s ongoing reports on this matter.
Mr. President,
The UK pledges its continued, full support for the Agency’s efforts to strengthen safeguards globally, addressing both present and emerging challenges. To maintain effectiveness, safeguards must be comprehensive, current, and universally applied. We thus urge all states to sign and ratify Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements, including an Additional Protocol, as the standard for NPT verification. We also call for the updating or rescission of Small Quantities Protocols. We recognize and embrace our own duty to demonstrate the highest levels of compliance with the NPT and our associated safeguards agreements.
Though, we express grave concern regarding Iran’s persistent non-compliance with its safeguards obligations and its lack of meaningful cooperation with the agency. This represents a serious challenge to the non-proliferation architecture that safeguards us all. The Agency currently has extremely limited oversight of Iran’s nuclear program, a especially worrying situation given its accelerating nuclear escalation, specifically the production of High enriched uranium (HEU) for which there is no credible civilian justification. Iran now possesses more than 10 meaningful quantities of HEU - the amount, as defined by the IAEA, from which the potential for manufacturing a nuclear explosive device cannot be discounted.
Following Iran’s substantial failure to meet its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (jcpoa), the united Kingdom, France, and Germany invoked the snapback mechanism on August 28th.This action does not preclude diplomatic engagement; we remain open to further dialog should Iran demonstrate concrete steps to address our legitimate concerns.
Mr. President,
As we enter the fourth year of russia’s war in Ukraine, the UK remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine, including through the IAEA’s independent analysis. We deeply regret that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remains under Russia’s unlawful occupation and reiterate our demand for Russia’s withdrawal and the restoration of control to the competent Ukrainian authorities.
Russia bears direct responsibility for the nuclear safety and security risks now facing Ukraine, including those arising from its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. A full and unconditional ceasefire from Russia is essential to create the necessary conditions for negotiations towards a lasting and just peace.
Mr. President,
Looking ahead to the 2026 NPT Review Conference, we must ensure that our obligations, regulations, and institutions concerning nuclear safety, security, and safeguards remain relevant and effective as we navigate this evolving nuclear landscape.
