Qatar firmly opposed to nuclear arsenals, testing: envoy to UN

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 11, 2026

Qatar reaffirmed its opposition to nuclear weapons and weapon proliferation while expressing regret over the lack of consensus at the latest NPT Review Conference and highlighting its active role in Middle East disarmament initiatives. The country also condemned recent missile and drone attacks by Iran and Houthi forces as violations of international law, emphasizing its commitment to diplomacy and regional security.

Qatar has reaffirmed its firm opposition to nuclear weapons, testing, and the proliferation of lethal arms, emphasizing the need for full compliance with international disarmament agreements to promote global peace and security. The country voiced regret that the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), held from April 27 to May 22, failed to produce a consensus on a substantive outcome document.

The statements were delivered by Talal Abdulaziz al-Naama, First Secretary at Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, during the general debate of the First Committee at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York. He highlighted Qatar’s support for the ongoing United Nations Conference on the Establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction, which is mandated by General Assembly resolution 73/546.

Al-Naama expressed Qatar’s backing of Oman’s role as the chair of the conference’s seventh session, set to conclude in November, and expressed the country’s anticipation of assuming the presidency of the eighth session thereafter. He called on all regional parties to cooperate in order to advance the conference’s objectives, which include enhancing peace and security both regionally and globally.

Qatar also underscored the inalienable right of all NPT States Parties to pursue the peaceful use of nuclear energy, affirming its commitment to these principles.

In relation to chemical disarmament efforts, al-Naama referenced a decision adopted by the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) during its 112th session in The Hague on July 9. The decision, proposed by Qatar and co-sponsored by 66 States Parties, reinstated the rights and privileges of Syria within the OPCW. Al-Naama described this outcome as the result of extensive diplomatic consultations and initiatives led by Qatar to foster consensus among member states.

The diplomat also condemned ballistic missile and drone attacks carried out by Iran since February 28 against Qatar’s sovereignty, territorial waters, and those of allied nations. He condemned these attacks as clear violations of international law, international humanitarian law, and the UN Charter. Al-Naama stressed the importance of abiding by UN Security Council resolution 2817 (2026), particularly regarding navigational rights and freedoms in critical maritime routes.

Qatar’s overarching objective, al-Naama stated, remains the containment of escalation and the promotion of diplomacy to find peaceful resolutions that ensure lasting security and stability in the region. He affirmed Qatar’s ongoing efforts to engage constructively with international partners to bridge differences and facilitate dialogue.

Additionally, al-Naama condemned the Houthi attacks on Abha International and King Khalid International airports in Saudi Arabia on October 7. He described the assaults as serious violations of Saudi sovereignty and threats to regional security, civilian safety, and civil aviation. Qatar reiterated its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the aftermath of these incidents.

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