Madam Chair，

The day of June 21 shall go down in history. On this day, the United States, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, a Depository State and a nuclear-weapon State Party of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), launched a military strike against nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards in Iran, a non-nuclear-weapon State of the NPT. This is an egregious and unprecedented act. China strongly condemns such practice by the United States. The U.S. action constitutes a serious violation of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, heightens tensions in the Middle East, and has dealt an unprecedentedly severe blow to the NPT and IAEA regimes with long-term negative implications. China expresses its grave concern on this. We firmly oppose the violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security and armed attacks against nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards.

Under the current circumstances, all parties should stay committed to the overarching goal of a political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. The Trump administration unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA during its first term, and now it has blatantly resorted to military force against Iran. This is yet another grave development undermining the political and diplomatic process of the Iranian nuclear issue, and the U.S. must bear the historical responsibility. History has proved time and again with its experiences and lessons that negotiation and cooperation is the fundamental way to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, and communication and dialogue is the right path toward enduring peace. The international community, the United States in particular, must make efforts to deescalate the situation and promote dialogue and negotiation. China calls on the parties to the conflict, Israel in particular, to cease fire as soon as possible, ensure the safety of civilians, and prevent further escalation.  

China believes that resolutely upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime is crucial for maintaining international peace, security and stability, and serves the fundamental interests of the international community, especially all NPT and IAEA member states. The IAEA is an international organization dedicated to upholding the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, implementing nuclear safeguards, and promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The Board of Governors and IAEA member states must take a clear stance on the grave developments concerning the Iranian nuclear issue, pool strengths, uphold justice, and make principled, responsible, and constructive efforts. China supports the IAEA in performing its duties impartially and playing a positive role in the political and diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue.

We call on the Director General to report the relevant situation to the Board of Governors and the UN Security Council in a timely and comprehensive manner, and request the Chair to summarize the discussions of this meeting in an objective and impartial manner for the record.

Thank you, Madam Chair.