Greece to UN Security Council: Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon

Addressing the Security Council, the Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN, Ambassador Aglaia Balta, expressed “Greece’s deep concern following today’s escalation” in Iran, underlining that “our goal should be to return to substantive negotiations towards a peaceful settlement in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.”

Stressing the need for immediate de-escalation, Greece noted that “restraint is imperative,” warning that “the risk of a broader regional confrontation, with potentially serious consequences for international peace and security, is real.”

“Faced with the consequences of a protracted crisis”
Ms. Balta warned that “in the absence of a swift diplomatic solution, we may find ourselves faced with the consequences of a protracted crisis,” calling on all parties “to show restraint, prevent a further escalation of violence, and work urgently to re-open credible channels of dialogue.”

Greece “strongly condemns the Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.”

Regarding the Iranian nuclear program, Greece reiterated that “Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon” and warned that “the accumulation of significant quantities of uranium enriched to 60% by a non-nuclear-weapon state raises serious proliferation concerns and has no credible political justification.”

“Diplomacy, the only viable path”
It stressed that “full cooperation with the IAEA and strict compliance with international obligations are essential,” adding that “strong, permanent and verifiable oversight of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs is a prerequisite for stability in the region.”

Greece stressed that “diplomacy, based on verification and transparency, remains the only viable path forward.”

“Maritime security must be respected”
Regarding maritime security, Greece stressed that “security in the Gulf, the Straits of Hormuz and the Red Sea must be fully respected by all sides - especially now more than ever”, noting that “stability is of paramount importance”.

It called on Iran and its allies “to refrain from any retaliation that could jeopardize freedom of navigation, threaten commercial shipping or further destabilize global energy and trade flows, constituting a flagrant violation of the International Law of the Sea, as reflected in UNCLOS”.

“Protecting civilians a priority”
Ms. Balta stressed that “the protection of civilians and respect for international law must remain absolute priorities”, noting that “civilians must not bear the cost of military escalation” and warning that “the humanitarian consequences of further confrontation could be serious”.

She noted that “the stakes for regional and global peace are extremely high” and called on Iran “to engage immediately in substantive and good faith negotiations with the aim of achieving a lasting solution that will come after negotiation”, underlining that “failure is not an option”.