New York: Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, highlighted the urgent need for a Middle East free from all Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) in light of the ongoing conflicts in the region. Addressing the UN conference, Iravani emphasized the significance of establishing a zone devoid of WMDs, citing the Israeli regime's actions in Gaza and its aggression towards neighboring countries as pivotal reasons for the necessity of such an initiative. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Ambassador Iravani delivered a comprehensive statement at the fifth session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other WMDs. He expressed concern over the nuclear arms race and criticized Nuclear Weapon States for failing to meet disarmament commitments while modernizing their arsenals. Iravani also highlighted the imbalance within the NPT principles, which he argued prioritized non-proliferation over peaceful use and disarmament, aff ecting non-nuclear weapon states' rights. At a regional level, Iravani pointed out that Israel, backed by the US, accumulated WMDs without adhering to international disarmament instruments. He condemned Israel's repeated opposition to a WMD-free Middle East and its acts of sabotage, urging international bodies like the UN Security Council to intervene. Additionally, he called for Israel's accession to the NPT and adherence to CWC and BWC as essential steps towards regional disarmament. The ambassador outlined several observations to strengthen the Conference's efforts, stressing the need for inclusive participation, overcoming Israeli and US non-engagement, and reaffirming the importance of disarmament. He proposed discussions on monitoring nuclear weapon destruction and emphasized the necessity of addressing chemical and biological weapons within the Conference framework. Furthermore, Iravani advocated for the protection of member states' rights to peaceful nuclear technology use and suggested establishin g regional cooperation frameworks for transparency and trust. He urged Western nuclear-armed states to focus on their responsibilities within the Conference and refrain from making unfounded allegations against members. In conclusion, Iran reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling international obligations and actively contributing to the Conference's success, aiming to enhance security in the Middle East and its subregions.