20 June 2025
Thank you Madam President.
Secretary-General, thank you very much for your introductory remarks. USG DiCarlo and DG Grossi thank you very much for your updates and appraisal of the situation on the ground.
Madam President,
As we heard from the briefers, the situation continues to deteriorate rapidly and risks pushing the region toward a point of no return. We are deeply concerned with the Israeli strikes on Iran, as well as with Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel. Slovenia condemns this military escalation and the unnecessary loss of civilian lives. We call on both sides to respect the UN Charter and international law, including international humanitarian law.
We echo the Secretary-General’s urgent appeal to avoid the internationalization of the conflict. Slovenia calls on both sides to immediately de-escalate and agree to full and unconditional ceasefire.
Madam President,
Slovenia remains concerned about the size and unclear nature of Iran’s nuclear program. These concerns are aggravated by the fact that the International Atomic Energy Agency, after many years, still cannot confirm or deny the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.
However, no amount of precision strikes will make these concerns go away.
We have no tolerance for proliferation of nuclear weapons and neither for attacks against civilian nuclear infrastructure. Whether it happens in Eastern Europe, the Middle East or anywhere else.
Madam President,
Issues pertaining to Iran’s nuclear program have always required a tailored, diplomatic solution. JCPoA was a necessity – and when it expires, it will need to be replaced. With this in mind, we urge all parties to prioritize diplomacy and remain committed to a political process. We welcome the talks between the E3 and Iran taking place today in Geneva. These represent a much-needed stabilizing factor.
To conclude, Madam President. The death and destruction in both Israel and Iran in recent days are raising the stakes, escalating the fighting, and inflaming rhetoric – in a region that has already endured more than its share of suffering. Our thoughts remain with civilians under siege in Gaza and the hostages who need to be released immediately and unconditionally.
In such a volatile situation, it takes courage to de-escalate and commit to peace. I appeal to both sides to show that courage, to spare their own civilians and the Middle East as whole from further bloodshed and destruction.
I thank you, Madam President.