Daijiworld Media Network - Cairo

Cairo, Sep 14: Ahead of the upcoming 69th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Egypt has reiterated its longstanding demand for a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the Middle East. In an official statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, Cairo urged all nations in the region to join the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) without exception, highlighting the treaty as a crucial mechanism to ensure transparency, prevent double standards, and reduce regional tensions.

Egypt emphasized that eliminating nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction from the Middle East is essential for both regional and global security. The ministry warned that failure to address nuclear proliferation risks triggering an arms race with potentially devastating consequences for international peace.

In its statement, Egypt also expressed concern over the continued presence of nuclear arsenals worldwide and called for renewed global efforts to fully implement the NPT’s obligations. The country stressed that concrete actions—not just commitments—are needed to curb nuclear threats and promote disarmament.

The ministry also drew attention to Egypt’s role in fostering renewed dialogue between Iran and the IAEA. This comes after Iran agreed earlier this week to resume cooperation with the agency, following months of strained relations due to Israeli and U.S. attacks on its nuclear infrastructure and the targeted assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists in June.

Egypt’s calls again spotlight Israel, the only country in the region that has not signed the NPT. Its non-participation continues to draw international criticism and stoke regional fears about a potential nuclear arms race—an issue Egypt is pressing to address head-on at the IAEA conference.