WANA (Nov 26) – At the annual conference of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) member states, held in The Hague, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, urged member states to prevent the politicization of the organization. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the convention and outlined Iran’s stance on various issues, including chemical weapons use and violations by Israel.

 

Gharibabadi reiterated that Iran remains the largest victim of chemical weapons in modern times and strongly condemned Israel’s actions against the people of Palestine and Lebanon.

 

He accused Israel of enjoying immunity due to unconditional support from Western countries, particularly the United States, and called on the UN Security Council to impose effective sanctions on Israel under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.

 

He also highlighted Israel’s alleged use of chemical agents and other banned substances, such as white phosphorus and depleted uranium, against defenseless civilians. Gharibabadi urged the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to investigate these claims thoroughly and take measures to protect the victims.

 

The Deputy Foreign Minister called on member states to avoid collaborating with Israel economically, militarily, or in arms trade and stressed the need for universal adherence to the convention. He urged international pressure on Israel to join the CWC and place its chemical facilities under OPCW supervision.

 

Addressing accusations from the United States, Gharibabadi rejected what he described as politically motivated and baseless claims against Iran’s compliance with the CWC. He asserted that Iran has consistently fulfilled its obligations, allowing inspections of its pharmaceutical facilities by the OPCW.

 

He criticized the U.S. for its record of non-compliance with the convention, accusing it of delaying the destruction of its chemical stockpiles and aiding Israel’s alleged chemical weapons program. Gharibabadi highlighted U.S. actions in Iraq, where he claimed chemical weapons were handled without OPCW oversight following the 2003 invasion.

 

The Deputy Minister also pointed to Western complicity in Saddam Hussein’s use of chemical weapons during the Iran-Iraq war, naming Germany and the U.S. as key suppliers of chemical materials to Iraq.

 

He called for these nations to be held accountable and to compensate Iranian victims who continue to suffer from the consequences of chemical attacks and the impact of international sanctions on medical supplies.

 

Gharibabadi concluded by welcoming progress in Syria’s cooperation with the OPCW and emphasizing the need for continued dialogue. He also urged strengthening international collaboration in the peaceful application of advanced technologies while safeguarding the convention’s objectives.