A United Nations conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) ended without a consensus after disagreement over discussions surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities, according to a US-based nonprofit monitoring group.
The failure of the talks marks a significant moment for global arms control, with the Arms Control Association (ACA) warning that there are “now no agreed limits on the size of the Russian and US nuclear arsenals, the world’s largest” for “the first time since 1972”.
The organisation said efforts to reach common ground were undermined in part by Washington’s attempt to turn the negotiations into a forum for broader and more complex discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme.
“Tragically, NPT states missed an important opportunity to formally reaffirm their support for the treaty and its core principles, goals, and objectives at a time of increasing nuclear dangers,” ACA executive director Daryl Kimball said.