At OPCW Conference, Iran Demands Israel Join Chemical Weapons Treaty and Accept Inspections

Overview

• Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the OPCW’s 30th States Parties meeting that Israel must accede to the Chemical Weapons Convention and be subject to full-scope verification.
• He asserted that Israel’s treaty absence blocks a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction and alleged the country has committed genocide in the occupied territories over the past two years.
• Araghchi referenced what he described as Israel’s June attack on Iranian safeguarded sites and a subsequent U.S. role, claiming the actions risked chemical and radioactive releases and violated international law.
• He urged the OPCW to address what he called U.S. non‑compliance and ongoing work on non‑lethal agents, warning against politicized or selective application of the Convention.
• Citing Iran’s experience as a victim of Saddam Hussein’s chemical attacks, he called for accountability for suppliers and condemned sanctions he said hinder care for Iranian survivors, as Iran secured Asia‑Pacific backing for an OPCW Executive Council seat for 2026–2028.