The Director-General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Ambassador Fernando Arias, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr Seyed Abbas Araghchi, on the margins of the Thirtieth Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP-30).
During the meeting, the two officials discussed matters related to recent regional developments and incidents relevant to the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
"I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Director-General Arias for his effective leadership and valuable services throughout his eight-year tenure. His legacy - including the establishment of the ChemTech Centre - will remain an enduring contribution to the Organisation," Minister Abbas Araghchi said.
Minister Araghchi highlighted the continuing challenges faced by Iranian survivors of chemical weapons and underscored Iran's long-standing position as a country deeply affected by the use of chemical weapons. "Iran is the largest victim of chemical weapons. More than three decades after the bitter experience of chemical warfare, the ongoing suffering of chemical victims does not allow this horrific memory to fade. The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns the use of such weapons anywhere, under any circumstances, and remains fully committed to the principles and objectives of the Convention," he stated.
"Developments in the Middle East remain highly alarming and extremely fragile. Reports have emerged regarding the use of chemical agents in warfare against civilians. It is imperative that, in the event of any such incidents, the OPCW conducts the necessary investigations in full accordance with the provisions of the Convention," he added.
Director-General Arias reaffirmed the OPCW Secretariat's commitment to maintaining constructive engagement with all States Parties and to supporting international cooperation under the Convention: "We remain ready to cooperate with all States Parties, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, within the framework of the Convention and in accordance with our mandate."
Director-General Arias highlighted the OPCW's continued efforts to support States Parties in strengthening their national capacities to respond to and mitigate the impacts of chemical weapons. Through training programmes, technical assistance, and international cooperation, the OPCW helps improve medical response, protection, and preparedness measures that directly benefit populations affected by the use of chemical weapons. He noted that the Organisation also facilitates the exchange of best practices among medical and technical experts to enhance long-term care and rehabilitation for survivors.
The Director-General stated: "By supporting national institutions, advancing international cooperation, and working to ensure full implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW contributes to global efforts aimed at preventing the recurrence of chemical weapons use and addressing its lasting humanitarian consequences."
Director-General Arias also briefed the Foreign Minister on the OPCW's Organisational priority, including achieving universality of the Convention and preventing chemical weapons re-emergence. He underlined that the rapidly advancing science and emerging technologies, such as AI, pose both opportunities and risks in relation to the Convention's implementation.
Background
The Islamic Republic of Iran has been an active member of the OPCW since the Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force in 1997.
As the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, the OPCW, with its 193 Member States, oversees the global endeavour to permanently eliminate chemical weapons. Since the Convention's entry into force in 1997, it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction.
In 2023, the OPCW verified that all chemical weapons stockpiles declared by the 193 States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention since 1997 - totalling 72,304 metric tonnes of chemical agents - have been irreversibly destroyed under the OPCW's strict verification regime.
For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize.
