December 17, 2024
Thank you, Mr. President.
I thank USG DiCarlo, His Excellency Mr. Lambrinidis, and Ambassador Frazier for their informative briefings.
Japan reiterates its support for the non-proliferation objectives of the JCPOA.
The exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program needs to be ensured, and IAEA verification and monitoring are essential to this end.
We are therefore seriously concerned that the Agency’s role has been significantly affected by the cessation of Iran’s implementation of its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA.
As a result, the Agency has lost continuity of knowledge in relation to, inter alia, the production and inventory of centrifuges and other materials.
Japan also expresses its grave concern over the installation and operation of new advanced centrifuges and the increase in Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium.
In particular, the recent change in the rate of production of enriched uranium up to 60% at Fordow reported by the IAEA is deeply worrying.
We emphasize that such action undermines the momentum for dialogue and call on Iran to cease and reverse such provocative nuclear activities.
Even at this challenging moment, we are aware that Iran has recently had meetings with the E3 countries and the EU in Geneva.
We encourage all relevant countries to continue consultations to rebuild the nuclear deal.
Moreover, what is needed to build confidence is for Iran to cooperate with the IAEA and to fully allow the Agency to effectively conduct its verification activities.
We strongly hope that Iran will demonstrate its government’s orientation for a path of dialogue and cooperation through concrete actions, not only words, including resolving the outstanding safeguards issues.
Mr. President,
The situation in the Middle East is extremely volatile. Further escalation is not in the interest of anyone.
All parties concerned must work to restore peace and security through diplomacy.
On its part, Japan has engaged with Iran, including at the highest level, and has directly exchanged candid views on a variety of issues, including the nuclear-related ones.
We will continue to make diplomatic efforts based on our traditional relationship with Iran and other key stakeholders.
I thank you.