I would like to start by thanking the briefers for their remarks. Norway welcomes the eleventh report of the Secretary-General. We share his view- and that of other Council Members- that the JCPOA, as endorsed by the Security Council through resolution 2231, remains a success of multilateral diplomacy.
The JCPOA strengthens global nuclear non-proliferation, and is important for regional,
and international stability and security. Its full implementation, supported by the broader international community, is vital. Over the past few years, the JCPOA has been put under increasing strain.
We remain of the view that the full and effective implementation of the JCPOA is the best available opportunity to build international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. In this regard, we join the Secretary-General [and other Members] in commending the professional, factual, and impartial work of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
We remain committed also to efforts to facilitate legitimate trade with Iran. And we echo the Secretary-General in calling on Member States to work effectively- including by supporting the INSTEX mechanism- to allow economic operators to engage in trade with Iran.
President,
Norway regrets the decision of the United States to withdraw from the JCPOA in 2018, and to unilaterally reimpose sanctions. We also deeply regret the worrying series of steps taken by Iran since 2019 that go against its nuclear-related commitments.
As the Secretary-General’s report notes, the IAEA has documented Iran’s activities related to: the installation of new and advanced centrifuges, the research and development for uranium metal production, and the enrichment of uranium up to 60 %.
The Secretary-General’s report further describes that decisions by Iran have affected the IAEA’s verification and monitoring activities. These decisions have undermined the Agency’s verification and monitoring reporting as set out in resolution 2231. Such actions are a direct challenge to the international community.
The continuing escalation is deeply unsettling and must be reversed. We urge Iran to: return to full compliance with the JCPOA, to resume its provisional application of the Additional Protocol- as well as other transparency measures- and resume full cooperation with the IAEA without delay.
We stress the importance of an urgent, and clear solution for the Agency’s ability to recover and re-establish the necessary continuity of knowledge.
President,
We share the concerns brought to the Secretary-General’s attention relating to: several ballistic missile launches, and a space launch vehicle test, and encourage Iran to address these concerns. As several States have pointed out, these activities are not consistent with paragraph 3 of annex B of resolution 2231.
President,
The security situation in the region remains tense and unpredictable. We call on all stakeholders to show restraint, and avoid actions that might contribute to escalation. Norway remains a steadfast supporter of constructive diplomatic dialogue, to decrease tensions, and increase trust and cooperation.
I would like to conclude by emphasising that we welcome ongoing efforts by the remaining JCPOA participants and the US, on: a possible return of the US to the agreement, and Iran’s return to full JCPOA implementation.
The full and effective implementation of the JCPOA by all parties will contribute positively to building confidence, stability, and security in the region, and beyond.
I thank you.