According to the world of forces: the Russian Federation named obstacles to the creation of a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East

Russia does not rule out putting forward new initiatives to create a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna, told Izvestia. According to the diplomat, the key obstacle remains the position of Israel, which is not ready to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. In the context of ongoing regional tensions and attacks on Iranian infrastructure facilities, the issue of forming a nuclear-weapon-free zone is becoming more urgent, but requires the consent of all key participants.

Israel refuses to join the NPT

The current truce is unlikely to become the foundation for the implementation of the idea of forming a zone free of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the Middle East, Mikhail Ulyanov believes.

"Everything depends on the position of Israel, which categorically refuses to join the Treaty on the Non—Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, but at the same time insists that other states in the region strictly comply with this agreement," said the Russian Permanent Representative to international organizations in Vienna.

At the same time, according to him, there are no signs of a change in the Israeli position.

Photo: REUTERS/Shir Torem

— The idea of creating 3COM will remain on the international agenda until its full implementation. It cannot be ruled out that, as necessary, Russia will come up with new initiatives on this issue," the diplomat noted.

Meanwhile, the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is taking place in New York. This event is held every five years and brings together almost all the countries participating in the treaty (191 states) to analyze its implementation in three key areas.: non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, nuclear disarmament and peaceful uses of atomic energy.

The situation around the treaty is complicated by rising tensions in the Middle East. In particular, the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iranian facilities, including elements of the nuclear infrastructure, increased the concern of the forum participants and increased the risks of undermining the non-proliferation regime.

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The Russian side proceeds from the fact that forceful methods do not contribute to confidence-building and only provoke new threats in the field of nuclear safety. Moscow insists on the need for a political and diplomatic settlement of conflicts and a return to strict observance of international law.

A nuclear-free zone in the Middle East

The idea of creating a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East has been discussed on the international stage for several decades. The relevant initiative was first supported by the UN General Assembly in 1974 at the suggestion of Iran and Egypt. Later, since 1991, the International Atomic Energy Agency has annually adopted resolutions calling for the extension of comprehensive safeguards to nuclear facilities in the region as a necessary step towards the formation of such a zone.

Photo: Global Look Press/Ahmad Halabisaz

The Soviet Union, of which Russia became the legal successor, also actively promoted similar initiatives. Back in 1958, the idea of creating a zone free of nuclear and missile bases in the region, as well as a space of good-neighborliness and cooperation, was put forward.

A significant milestone was the decision of the 1995 NPT Review Conference, which provided for the establishment in the Middle East of a zone free of all types of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear, chemical and biological, as well as their means of delivery. This step was part of a package of solutions that allowed the contract to be extended indefinitely.

Nevertheless, the implementation of the CSOM concept still faces systemic difficulties. In addition to Israel's refusal to join the NPT, the difference in approaches of key international players remains an essential factor. Russia considers this initiative as a global task, in the implementation of which the depositaries of the NPT, the UN Secretary General and the States of the region should participate.

At the same time, the United States interprets it as an exclusively regional issue, which implies Washington's minimal involvement and, consequently, limited responsibility for the outcome. This, along with Israel's unwillingness to disarm, probably explains why a nuclear-weapon-free zone has not yet been established.

Photo: REUTERS/Shir Torem

Iraqi analyst Safaa al-Assam believes that Israel's position on the creation of a zone free of weapons of mass destruction should not be perceived as unchanged.

Despite the fact that Israel traditionally avoids official recognition of its nuclear status and is reticent about discussing it with Arab countries, figures have already appeared in Israeli politics who advocate the renunciation of nuclear weapons.

"In addition, there is a debate within society about its expediency: some citizens consider nuclear potential not only as a deterrent, but also as a source of additional security risks," Safaa al—Assam said in an interview with Izvestia.

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In this regard, the expert believes that the development of dialogue between Israel and the Arab states can influence public opinion and strengthen the positions of those representatives of the Israeli establishment who advocate promoting the idea of a nuclear-free Middle East.

Photo: TASS/DPA/Julian Stratenschulte

However, in the current circumstances, tangible progress seems unlikely. According to Tarek al-Bardisi, an Egyptian international relations specialist, in the context of the ongoing escalation in the Middle East, Israel does not demonstrate its willingness to reconsider its position on the nuclear issue. On the contrary, the Israeli leadership continues to justify the preservation of its nuclear potential, presenting it as a necessary element of security, despite growing international pressure.

"This position actually undermines efforts to create a zone free of weapons of mass destruction and increases distrust in the region," the expert noted. — The refusal to even discuss the limits of the nuclear arsenal indicates Israel's unwillingness to participate in regional security mechanisms, which makes it difficult to reach compromises and maintains tension.

In these circumstances, the initiative to create a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East remains long-term and remains part of the international agenda. However, against the background of ongoing tensions and lack of consensus among key players, the prospects for its implementation in the near future remain limited.