“The threat posed to humanity by continued reliance on nuclear weapons is not abstract — it is real, present and growing”, warned Nigeria’s representative, speaking for the African Group.

The Nigerian official cautioned against renewed talk of nuclear testing, calling for universal adherence to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

He urged nuclear-weapon states to halt modernisation and life extension of their arsenals, reduce the role of nuclear weapons in doctrine and provide universal, unconditional and legally binding negative security assurances to non-nuclear-weapon states.

The African Group representative reaffirmed the importance of nuclear weapon-free zones, welcoming regional treaties and arrangements that strengthen disarmament, non-proliferation and global security.

Meanwhile, the Arab Group condemned Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries and Israel’s nuclear threats.

The representative of Egypt, speaking for the Arab Group, condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks on several Gulf states, stating that strikes on civilian sites and critical infrastructure violated international law and the United Nations Charter.

Citing Article VI, he stressed that nuclear-weapon states’ possession of nuclear arms is “temporary, not an entitlement”, expressing concern that they continue to delay disarmament, reinterpret obligations and invoke preconditions such as deterrence or security conditions.

The Arab Group again called for legally binding, unconditional security assurances for non-nuclear-weapon States and condemned irresponsible nuclear threats by Israel.