In its working paper submitted at the 2018 NPT PrepCom, the US outlined what it sees as impediments to progress towards establishing a ME WMDFZ and suggested steps to “establishing regional conditions conducive” to realizing a ME WMDZ. The paper was met with criticism from the Arab states as a significant change in the US position imposing preconditions for establishing the ME WMDFZ.

Photo credit: U.S. Mission Geneva/Eric Bridiers

Dr. Christopher Ford, Assistant Secretary of State for International Security and Non-Proliferation, addresses participants at the opening plenary of the 2018 NPT PrepCom in Geneva. April 23, 2018.