ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN - STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR ALIREZA KAZEMI ABADI - Chemical Weapons Convention - Agenda Item 9(d)

Aug 29, 2026

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The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns the use of chemical weapons under any circumstances and argues that the Chemical Weapons Convention is the strongest framework to ensure a world free of such weapons, citing its comprehensive provisions, verification system, non-discriminatory character, consensus-based approach, and near-universal participation. The statement criticizes recent non-consensual decisions that increase polarization and politicization, emphasizing how lack of consensus can obstruct the Convention’s goal. It challenges specific decisions on attribution investigations and related team mandates, and comments on Syria’s accession and cooperation while urging continued collaboration.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Mr Chairperson

Condemnation and rationale

Critique of non-consensual decisions

IIT, attribution investigations, and mandate

Reference to Syria decisions and cooperation

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR ALIREZA KAZEMI ABADI PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN TO THE OPCW ATTHE TWENTY-SEVENTH SESSION OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE STATES PARTIES UNDER AGENDA ITEM 9(D) Mr Chairperson, The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns in the strongest possible terms the use of chemical weapons by anyone, anywhere, and under any circumstances. It firmly believes that the Chemical Weapons Convention is the best international instruments which can ensure a world free from chemical weapons as it widely recognized as it is one of the most successful multilateral disarmament instruments, with comprehensive provisions, extensive verification system, nondiscriminatory character, consensus-based approach and almost universal participation. However, in recent years, a few non-consensual decisions are overruling the Convention, leading to more polarisation and politicisation of the Organization. Undoubtedly, the lack of consensus and common understanding among States Parties on critical and cross-cutting issues may preclude the Organisation from achieving the noble goal of the Convention:, namely a world free of chemical weapons. The decision entitled “Addressing the Threat from Chemical Weapons Use”(CSS-4/DEC.3, dated 27 June 2018) is an example of this and was an inappropriate result of the Fourth Special Session of the Conference of the States Parties. The consequences of this decision, adopted with only 82 votes in favour, are clearly reminiscent of the fact that this Organisation is straying away from its traditional consensus, especially on substantive issues. The decision has unacceptably tasked the Technical Secretariat with conducting attributionoriented investigations and thereby deflecting it from its technical and specialised nature and well-defined mandate. The establishment of the Investigation and Identification Team (IIT) and its reports are another outcome of the aforementioned decision. The establishment of this Team is beyond the scope of the Convention and in violation of its provisions. Similarly to the prior decision, the decision entitled “Addressing the Possession and Use of Chemical Weapons by the Syrian Arab Republic” (C-25/DEC.9, dated 21 April 2021) ignores the cooperation of this State Party with the Technical Secretariat since its accession to the Convention. My delegation notes that the Syrian Arab Republic has acceded to the Convention and undertaken its implementation during a very difficult time when international terrorists waged a full-fledged armed conflict against its people and government. We also note with appreciation that with the close cooperation between the Syrian Government and the Technical Secretariat, considerable progress has been achieved so far, against all those odds. My delegation encourages Syria and the Technical Secretariat to continue their cooperation to address the remaining issues based on mutual agreement , respect and the practice of the Organization. I request that this statement be circulated as an official document of this session and posted on the OPCW’s public website and Catalyst portal. Thank you, Mr Chairperson.

FAQs

What position does Iran take regarding chemical weapons use?

Iran condemns the use of chemical weapons in the strongest terms, anywhere and under any circumstances, and stresses the need for a world free from them through the Chemical Weapons Convention.

Why does Iran criticize recent OPCW decisions?

Iran argues that non-consensual decisions overrule the Convention, producing greater polarization and politicization and undermining consensus and common understanding among States Parties on cross-cutting issues.

How does Iran view decisions related to Syria and the Technical Secretariat cooperation?

Iran notes Syria’s accession and implementation amid conflict and appreciates progress achieved through close cooperation between the Syrian Government and the Technical Secretariat, urging continued cooperation on remaining issues by mutual agreement.

Aug 29, 2026

Uploaded by Gloria