US-Iran National flag. Image: Shutterstock.
(The Post News)- The United Nations became the scene of a sharp verbal clash between the United States and Iran on Monday, as disputes over Tehran’s nuclear program spilt into a major global arms control meeting.
The 11th review conference of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which entered into force in 1970, opened in New York with tensions already evident. The disagreement centred on Iran’s appointment as one of 34 vice presidents for the month-long gathering, a decision made by the Non-Aligned Movement, according to conference chair Do Hung Viet.
Washington voiced strong opposition. Christopher Yeaw, a senior official at the US Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, called Iran’s selection an “affront” to the treaty. He accused Tehran of a long history of non-compliance and of failing to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency regarding concerns over its nuclear activities.
Iran Dismisses Claims
Iran quickly pushed back. Reza Najafi rejected the US accusations, describing them as unfounded and politically driven. He also pointed to the United States’ own nuclear past and its ongoing expansion of its arsenal.
The diplomatic standoff comes amid a broader conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, where nuclear issues remain a central concern. US President Donald Trump reiterated over the weekend that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons, reinforcing Washington’s firm position.
Tehran has consistently argued that it is entitled to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, while Western nations remain concerned that such capabilities could be diverted toward developing weapons. Although Iran denies pursuing nuclear arms, the IAEA and US intelligence assessments have previously indicated that Tehran maintained a weapons program until 2003.
In a potential sign of diplomacy, Iranian sources on Monday proposed easing tensions by delaying nuclear talks until the ongoing conflict subsides and disputes over Gulf shipping are resolved.
At the same time, Trump held discussions with top national security officials, while the White House reiterated that US red lines regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions remain firmly in place.
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