20 June 2025
Thank you, Madam President,
I also thank Secretary-General for his important introductory remarks, and Under Secretary-General DiCarlo and Director General Grossi for their detailed briefings and urgent messages here this morning.
Madam President,
As underlined by the Secretary-General, the recent escalation in the Middle East has once again brought the region dangerously close to the brink of a region-wide conflict.
The repeated attacks between Israel and Iran are cause for great concern and pose a grave risk to international peace and security.
We must do our utmost, individually and collectively, to respond to this threat and to prevent further destabilisation.
Together with the EU and many others, we join the call on for maximum restraint and immediate de-escalation.
We urge all parties to abide by their obligations under the UN Charter and international law and to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in line with international humanitarian law.
We deplore the loss of civilian lives and unacceptable attacks on civilian targets including the recent hospital attack. Furthermore, all actions should be taken and the necessary restraint shown to reduce the risk of nuclear accidents.
Denmark’s view is clear. Diplomatic engagement and a negotiated solution – with the IAEA playing a vital role – remain the only viable paths towards lasting peace in the region.
Denmark supports all diplomatic efforts to restore stability and return to the negotiation table to seek a solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, and we welcome the E3 Foreign Ministers’ and the EU’s meeting with the Foreign Minister of Iran in Geneva today.
Madam President,
We have been clear that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.
Denmark has repeatedly expressed our concern about Iran’s escalating nuclear trajectory. The fact that the IAEA is unable to provide assurances that the Iranian nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful is deeply disturbing.
We are further alarmed that Iran is non-compliant with its legally binding nuclear safeguards obligations, as recently determined by the IAEA Board of Governors. There is no plausible civilian reason for Iran’s production and stockpiling of highly enriched uranium.
We strongly urge Iran to cooperate with the IAEA on the outstanding safeguards issues and to return to the negotiation table to secure an agreement with the international community which ensures that Iran’s nuclear activities are exclusively peaceful. An agreement which upholds the global non-proliferation norms, and which fosters lasting stability in the Middle East and beyond.
Madam President, in closing,
Let me reaffirm Denmark’s urgent call for de-escalation. For all sides to refrain from steps that could lead to serious regional consequences.
In the face of mounting civilian suffering, and at the risk of a spark that ignites a wider conflict, this is imperative.
Thank you.