UNITED NATIONS, May 23: A major United Nations conference reviewing the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) ended without consensus on Friday after sharp disagreements emerged between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear activities and compliance with international obligations.
The four week conference, attended by 191 member states, failed to adopt even a softened final declaration, marking the third consecutive collapse of an NPT review meeting and raising fresh concerns over the future of global nuclear disarmament efforts.
Dispute Over Iran Blocks Final Outcome
Conference chair and Vietnam’s U.N. Ambassador Do Hung Viet acknowledged that negotiators were unable to bridge divisions surrounding a draft provision declaring that Iran “can never seek, develop or acquire nuclear weapons.”
Although Viet stressed that “no one blocked consensus,” diplomatic disagreements over the wording linked to Iran’s nuclear programme ultimately prevented member states from reaching common ground.
The inability to secure an agreement reflects growing geopolitical tensions and deep mistrust among key powers over nuclear security and treaty enforcement.
Third Consecutive Failure for NPT Review Process
The outcome represents another setback for the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, regarded as the cornerstone of international nuclear arms control since it entered into force in 1970.
The previous NPT review conference in 2022 also failed after Russia opposed language connected to the Ukraine conflict and the situation surrounding the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Diplomats and arms control experts warned that repeated deadlocks weaken confidence in the treaty system at a time when nuclear risks are increasing globally.
Rising Tensions Over Tehran’s Nuclear Activities
The conference unfolded against the backdrop of heightened tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme following military strikes launched earlier this year by the United States and Israel.
US President Donald Trump had stated that the strikes were intended to halt Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons ambitions.
Western nations have repeatedly expressed alarm over Iran enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels. Tehran, however, continues to insist that its nuclear programme is designed exclusively for peaceful civilian purposes, including energy production and scientific research.
Sharp Exchanges Between Washington and Tehran
From the opening session, US officials accused Iran of violating its treaty responsibilities and undermining international oversight mechanisms.
Iranian representatives responded by condemning American and Israeli military actions, arguing that attacks on nuclear facilities violated international law and threatened regional stability.
As a signatory to the NPT, Iran is required to permit inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). However, disputes have continued over access to certain nuclear sites, particularly those reportedly targeted during recent airstrikes.
Experts Warn of Growing Nuclear Risks
Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, said disagreements intensified after Washington pushed for direct references to Iran’s non-compliance in the draft document.
According to Kimball, Iran objected to being singled out and sought stronger condemnation of US and Israeli military actions, demands that were ultimately excluded from the proposed text.
In the conference’s closing session, American delegates described Iran as a “prolific treaty violator,” while Iranian officials accused the US and allied nations of attempting to justify attacks through political pressure and misinformation.
Calls for Renewed Diplomacy and Leadership
Rebecca Johnson, executive director of the Acronym Institute for Disarmament Diplomacy, criticised both the United States and Russia for failing to uphold commitments to nuclear disarmament.
Analysts warned that the continuing breakdown in negotiations highlights the urgent need for stronger diplomatic engagement to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and avoid a broader international security crisis.