Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr. President, for convening today’s meeting.
We regret once again that the 1737 Committee has not been able to agree on its 90-day report. This continued inability to reach agreement undermines the Council’s ability to carry out its responsibilities.
Denmark’s position remains clear: Iran must never be allowed to develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. We therefore strongly support continued diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and restoring effective international verification. The effective work of the 1737 Committee is instrumental in this regard.
We, therefore, deeply regret the continued disagreement over the status of the sanctions measures reinstated by the Security Council, and the approach taken by some Council members who refuse to recognise that all sanctions against Iran were in fact reimposed last year.
We are also concerned about the continued inability to appoint a Chair of the 1737 Committee. This is particularly concerning as the mandate of its Panel of Experts is due to expire later this month. Without a functioning Committee Chair and effective monitoring mechanisms, the implementation of the sanction regime is further weakened.
Denmark has consistently engaged constructively in the work of the 1737 Committee. We call on all Council members to uphold their responsibilities, fully implement the relevant Security Council resolutions, and ensure that the Committee can operate effectively in accordance with its mandate. We also regret how a few Council members are using their opposition to the 1737 Committee to hold hostage the full and formal appointment of all subsidiary body chairs and vice chairs. A solution is long overdue.
Mr. President,
We remain deeply concerned by Iran’s lack of cooperation with the IAEA and by the Agency’s inability to carry out the verification necessary to provide assurances regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.
There is no credible civilian justification for the amount of highly enriched uranium that Iran has produced. Even more worrying, for over a year, the IAEA has been unable to verify further enrichment activities due to the lack of access. This serious non-compliance with safeguards obligations cannot be normalised. We support the resolution adopted yesterday in the IAEA Board of Governors. And join others in strongly urging Iran to restore full cooperation with the IAEA.
Mr. President,
We also remain deeply concerned about the wider regional security situation.
Denmark calls on Iran to comply fully with resolution 2817, cease attacks against countries in the region and refrain from any actions or threats that undermine freedom of navigation.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is not only a challenge for the region. The Strait is a critical international waterway, and its closure has global consequences.
Disruptions to global trade. Rising energy costs. Increasing food insecurity. The consequences are felt around the world, with the most vulnerable bearing the greatest burden.
Upholding international law, including international humanitarian law, must remain a priority for all involved parties. Civilians must be protected. And free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz must be restored.
I thank you.
