The State of Kuwait reiterated its firm positions on disarmament and international security during the general debate of the Third Preparatory Committee for the 2026 NPT Review Conference at UN Headquarters, with Permanent Representative Ambassador Tareq Al-Bannai stressing the NPT's role as the cornerstone for achieving a nuclear-weapon-free world.

Key Address Points:

1. Peaceful Nuclear Rights:
   Ambassador Al-Bannai affirmed Kuwait's support for all states' inalienable right to peaceful nuclear energy use, while emphasizing the need to clearly distinguish between non-proliferation concerns and nuclear safety/security issues.

2. IAEA Support:
   The ambassador reiterated Kuwait's full backing for the IAEA as the sole competent verification body under comprehensive safeguards agreements, noting the voluntary nature of additional protocols.

3. Middle East WMD-Free Zone:
   He highlighted Kuwait's prioritization of implementing the 1995 Review Conference resolution for a Middle East zone free of nuclear and other WMDs - an integral part of the indefinite NPT extension agreement.

4. Israeli Nuclear Policy Condemnation:
   Al-Bannai condemned Israel's nuclear ambiguity policy and threats against Palestinian civilians as "flagrant violations" of international norms, particularly citing:

• Ongoing Dimona reactor expansion without IAEA oversight

• Non-adherence to major WMD treaties

• Absence of international monitoring mechanisms

5. Conference Outcomes:
   Expressing regret over previous Review Conferences' failures to adopt consensus documents, he urged:

• Immediate negotiations on legally-binding security assurances

• Establishment of a dedicated dialogue mechanism

• Collective responsibility for a nuclear-risk-free future

6. Diplomatic Engagement:
   The ambassador welcomed ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations mediated by Oman as demonstrating effective diplomacy's value in de-escalation.