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STUDY
GUIDE
United Nations Security Council

AGENDA
Preventing Full-scale Conflict:
Addressing the Escalations
between Israel and Iran
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction of UNSC 4

Mandate of UNSC 5

Key Activities 6

Definition of Key Terms 7

Background of the Conflict 9

Escalation between Iran and Israel 10

Past UN Resolutions 17

International Responses and Areas

Of Concern 19

Key Factors Driving the Conflict 20

Key Treaties and Agreements 24

Ceasefire Agreements and Mediation
Initiatives 26

JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan

of Action) 27
Country Stances 31

Non-State Actors and Proxies 34

Nuclear Asymmetry & Regional Instability 36

Proposed Solutions 36

QARMA Questions 37

Bibliography 40
INTRODUCTION OF UNSC
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the
six principal organs of the United Nations, established
with the primary responsibility of maintaining
international peace and security. It has a unique
mandate to take binding decisions that all UN member
states must comply with, particularly in situations that
threaten global stability. The Council is composed of
fifteen members, including five permanent members
(China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the
United States) who possess veto power, and ten non-
permanent members elected for two-year terms. All
UNSC members along with non-member states that are
involved in the conflict are called when a very critical
crisis arises. The frequency varies significantly
depending on global events and challenges. The
permanent 5 nations in UNSC can veto, meaning that
they can either pass a resolution or raise a veto to
completely dissolve a resolution. This structure enables
the UNSC to convene rapidly during crises and issue
resolutions that can authorize sanctions, deploy
peacekeeping operations, or sanction the use of force
when necessary.
MANDATE OF UNSC
The United Nations Security Council’s mandate is to
maintain international peace and security by
addressing threats to global stability. It has the authority
to investigate conflicts, recommend peaceful
resolutions, impose sanctions, authorize peacekeeping
missions, and, if necessary, approve the use of force to
restore peace. The Council’s decisions are binding on all
UN member states, ensuring collective action to prevent
and resolve conflicts worldwide.
KEY ACTIVITIES
The key activities of the Security Council include
assessing international threats, fostering diplomatic
negotiations, mediating disputes, imposing sanctions to
enforce compliance, and authorizing military or
peacekeeping missions in conflict zones. The Council

regularly
monitors the
situations
that fall
within its
mandate
and adapts
its responses
to evolving
crises. In

addition to political and military actions, the UNSC

engages with other UN bodies and international
agencies, such as the International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA), to supervise adherence to treaties and
agreements related to peace and security.
DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS

Nuclear ambiguity: Israel’s deliberate policy of

neither confirming nor denying its possession of
nuclear weapons, maintaining strategic deterrence
without formal declaration.

Proxy warfare: Indirect conflict where Iran and Israel

engage through surrogate non-state actors such as
Hezbollah and Hamas rather than direct
confrontation

The Axis of Resistance: An informal coalition of Iran-

backed militant groups—including Hezbollah, the
Houthis, and Palestinian factions—united in
opposition to Israel and Western influence in the
region.

The Abraham Accords: Diplomatic agreements

initiated in 2020 that normalized relations between
Israel and several Arab states, altering regional
alliances and dynamics.

Ceasefire: A temporary suspension of hostilities

agreed
agreedupon
upon bybyconflicting
conflictingparties,
parties, usually
usually as
as a
preliminary
preliminary
stepstep
to peace
to peace
negotiations.
negotiations.

Sanctions: Penal measures imposed by one or more

countries against a targeted country, group, or
individual, often to compel compliance with
international norms or UNSC resolutions.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): A landmark

international treaty whose objective is to prevent the
spread of nuclear weapons, promote nuclear
disarmament, and foster peaceful uses of nuclear
energy.

Proxy Forces/Proxy War: Conflict where two or more

powers use third parties (often armed groups or
militias) as substitutes for fighting each other
directly.

Ballistic Missile: A missile that is launched into a

high trajectory and then falls under gravity to reach
its target, often capable of carrying nuclear
warheads.
BACKGROUND OF THE CONFLICT

The origins of the Israel-Iran dispute trace back to

historically shifting alliances and ideological
transformations. Initially, under Shah Mohammad Reza
Pahlavi, Iran maintained cooperative economic and
strategic relations with Israel. However, the 1979 Iranian
Revolution abruptly transformed bilateral relations,
replacing a pro-Western government with an anti-
Western Islamic regime led by Ayatollah Khomeini. The
new leadership espoused Pan-Islamism and vehement
opposition to Israel, which it deemed a Western
imposition and “cancerous tumor” within the Muslim
world. Iran’s support for militant groups such as
Hezbollah, born out of Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, has
since constituted a cornerstone of its regional policy,
intensifying proxy conflicts. This opposition further
manifested during the Syrian civil war, where Israel and
Iran engaged indirectly through allied militias. The
Abraham Accords, signed in 2020 by Israel and several
Arab nations, realigned regional politics, prompting Iran
to denounce these normalization efforts as a betrayal of
Muslim unity. Over the past six years, covert operations,
assassinations of nuclear scientists and military figures,
cyberattacks, and a series of military strikes have
escalated tensions significantly, culminating in risk of
full-scale conflict.

ESCALATION BETWEEN IRAN AND

ISRAEL
ISRAEL’S ACTIONS

Israel has executed numerous covert strikes against

Iranian-backed targets. On July 19, 2019, drones
bombed a Popular Mobilization Forces depot near
Amirili, killing a senior IRGC member and damaging
missiles, disrupting Iranian weapon transfers to Syria
and Lebanon. Israel confirmed responsibility later.
Subsequent F-35 attacks in July 2019 killed around 40
militia members. In November 2020, Israel assassinated
Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, the head of Iran’s nuclear program
prompting Iran to
boost uranium
enrichment. Naval
clashes included
the February 2021
attack on an Israeli
cargo ship in the
Gulf of Oman and
retaliatory strikes in the Red Sea. December 2023
airstrikes killed Iranian military adviser Sayyed Razi
Mousavi in Syria, triggering warnings from the IRGC.

PROXY ESCALATIONS

After Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks, supported by

Iran, Iranian proxies like Hezbollah intensified aggression
toward Israel. Israel responded with targeted strikes in
Gaza,damaging tunnels linked to Iranian designs, and
suppressed militia rocket and missile launches across
Syria and Iraq, escalating the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
DIRECT STRIKES AND ASSASSINATIONS IN IRAN

In April 2024, Israeli airstrikes hit the Iranian consulate in

Damascus, killing Iranian generals and IRGC
commander Muhammad Raza Zahedi. In return, Iran
launched 300 missile drones
towards Israel. April 2024 saw
drone strikes disrupting Iranian
radar near Isfahan. Israeli
assassinations continued with
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh
killed in Tehran in July 2024.
Hezbollah leadership was
targeted in September strikes in
Lebanon, killing Sayyed Hassan
Nasrallah and Ali Karaki, with
Israel justifying attacks as
eliminating terrorist command
centers. In October 2024, Israel
officially acknowledged strikes
on Iranian missile and nuclear
sites in “Operation Days of Repentance,” killing several
Iranian officers and triggering a UN Security Council
emergency session.
JUNE 2025 OPERATION

On June 13, 2025,

Israel launched
“Operation Rising
Lion,” striking Iranian
nuclear and military
sites in Natanz,
Fardow, and Isfahan
with AI-guided
munitions and
kamikaze drones
following months of
covert preparation
by Mossad. Iranian
air defenses were
disabled, allowing
hundreds of strikes
over 48 hours that killed approximately 224 military and
civilians, including senior IRGC commander Hossein
Salami and top nuclear scientists. A ceasefire was
declared on June 24.

IRAN’S ACTIONS
Iran has executed cyberattacks on Israeli infrastructure
since 2020, aiming to disrupt critical services in violation
of principles protecting sovereignty in cyberspace. Iran
is also accused of smuggling drones and weapons to
militias near Israeli borders, breaching UN sanctions
resolutions. Israeli naval forces intercepted shipments of
ballistic missile parts in 2023 and reported these
violations to the UN for enforcement.

IRANIAN-BACKED MILITIAS IN SYRIA AND IRAQ

From 2022 to 2023, Iran-backed militias launched

multiple drone strikes against Israeli targets near the
Golan Heights, violating ceasefire agreements. Militias
like Kataib Hizballah targeted US and coalition bases in
 Iraq using drone
attacks causing
material damage,
breaching international
arms control treaties.
The UN Security Council
has taken steps to
enforce resolutions
against these groups, while human rights organizations
urge protection for civilians amid unmanned attacks.

NUCLEAR TERRORISM THREAT

Concerns about nuclear terrorism stem from fears that

Iran might supply nuclear materials to terrorist groups.
The UN Security Council addressed this through
Resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004) under Chapter
VII, which call for coordinated efforts to prevent
terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction by non-state actors. These resolutions
require states to implement laws denying financial
support and safe haven to terrorists, enhancing global
security cooperation.
HUMANITARIAN CONCERNS AND CIVILIAN IMPACT

The intensifying hostilities have exacerbated

humanitarian crises throughout the region. Civilian
populations in Israel, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza face
direct threats from missile and rocket attacks, airstrikes,
and drone operations. There have been documented
casualties, including critically injured children and
numerous civilians suffering from injuries and
psychological trauma caused by the violence. High-
impact weaponry deployed in densely populated areas
raises serious questions under International
Humanitarian Law (IHL) about the principles of
distinction and proportionality.

The conflict has precipitated significant displacement,

adding to a refugee crisis already complicated by
ongoing wars in Syria and Lebanon. Civilians near
conflict zones have fled without warning or access to
essential services, placing additional pressures on
humanitarian agencies. Additionally, efforts to exercise
freedom of expression and dissent have been curtailed
internally within both Iran and Israel, where national
security concerns have prompted crackdowns on civil
liberties.
PAST UN RESOLUTIONS
2003 IAEA Board of Governors Resolution: Called on
Iran to fully cooperate with the IAEA and implement
the Additional Protocol, which enhances nuclear
inspection measures.

2005 IAEA Board of Governors Resolution: Declared

Iran in non-compliance with its Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) safeguards and urged Tehran to return
to negotiations regarding its nuclear program.

2015 IAEA Board of Governors Resolution: Endorsed

the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA),
detailing verification and monitoring steps to limit
Iran’s nuclear activities.

2020 IAEA Board of Governors Resolution:

Reaffirmed calls for Iran’s full cooperation with the
IAEA, including granting access to suspected
undeclared nuclear sites.

UN Security Council Resolution 1696 (2006): Legally

demanded that Iran cease all uranium enrichment
and nuclear reprocessing activities.
UN Security Council Resolution 2231 (2015): Formally
endorsed the JCPOA, granting the IAEA authority to
verify Iran’s nuclear commitments with an
enforcement mechanism, including potential
sanctions.

UN Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001):

Expressed grave concern over the link between
international terrorism and illegal trafficking of
nuclear materials; it called for enhanced
cooperation among states to criminalize terrorist
assistance, deny financial support and safe havens
to terrorists, and improve information sharing to
prevent and prosecute terrorist activities.

UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004):

Obligated all states to enact and enforce effective
laws prohibiting non-state actors from
manufacturing, acquiring, possessing, developing,
transporting, transferring, or using nuclear weapons,
particularly with respect to terrorist groups. It
mandated states to establish domestic controls,
including physical protection, border controls, and
measures to combat illicit trafficking of nuclear
materials.
INTERNATIONAL RESPONSES AND
AREAS OF CONCERN

The United Nations Security Council has convened

multiple emergency sessions (April, October 2024, and
mid-2025) to address the escalating violence. However,
the Council remains divided, with no consensus on joint
statements condemning actions by either party,
reflecting geopolitical rivalries and conflicting interests.
This deadlock illustrates a significant gap in unified
international leadership necessary to mediate the
conflict effectively.

Additionally, international humanitarian organizations,

including UN bodies and NGOs such as Human Rights
Watch, have called attention to the urgent need for
protection of civilians and adherence to international
law but have limited influence on operational decisions
in this high-stakes, volatile theater.

Another concern is the possible expansion of

belligerents involving other regional states or non-state
actors, raising the potential for a wider conflict. Both
Israeli and Iranian rhetoric at UN forums warn of
catastrophic consequences should third parties
become involved. This underlines the critical
importance of preventing the conflict's
internationalization.

KEY FACTORS DRIVING THE

CONFLICT
IDEOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES

Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran’s revolutionary

ideology has consistently regarded Israel as an
illegitimate state. Iranian leaders view Israel as an
occupying power, which is openly denounced annually
on Quds Day, a state-sponsored event reflecting Iran’s
deep-rooted rejection of Israeli legitimacy. Israel,
conversely, perceives Iran’s nuclear ambitions as an
existential threat, fueling mutual hostility shaped by
competing religious and political narratives. This
ideological divide remains a core driver of actions and
policies on both sides.
PROXY WARFARE

Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran’s revolutionary

ideology has consistently regarded Israel as an
illegitimate state. Iranian leaders view Israel as an
occupying power, which is openly denounced annually
on Quds Day, a state-sponsored event reflecting Iran’s
deep-rooted rejection of Israeli legitimacy. Israel,
conversely, perceives Iran’s nuclear ambitions as an
existential threat, fueling mutual hostility shaped by
competing religious and political narratives. This
ideological divide remains a core driver of actions and
policies on both sides.

NUCLEAR AMBITIONS

Iran’s nuclear program represents a major cause of

tension. Israel and its allies demand strict limitations
and enhanced monitoring, fearing that a nuclear-
armed Iran would destabilize the region and threaten
global security. The unresolved status of Iran’s nuclear
activities perpetuates mistrust and increases the risk of
military escalation.
RELIGIOUS IDEOLOGY AND PAN-ISLAMISM

The 1979 Iranian Revolution replaced a pro-Western

regime with an Islamic Republic asserting itself as a
leader of Muslim resistance, particularly against Israel.
Guided by the doctrine of "Velayat-e Faqih"
(Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), Iran promotes
opposition to Israel, denouncing it with harsh rhetoric
and supporting Islamist movements. Iran’s ideological
opposition aligns closely with support for Palestinian
groups opposed to Israeli statehood, further embedding
religious and political antagonism.
AXIS OF RESISTANCE

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has

nurtured a coalition known as the “Axis of Resistance,”
including Hezbollah, Houthis, and Popular Mobilization
Units (PMU). These groups, armed and financed by Iran,
openly aim at Israel’s destruction and act as Iran’s
frontline in regional conflicts. This axis maintains Iran’s
anti-Israel posture through militant proxies, extending
the conflict’s reach.

ABRAHAM ACCORDS
The Abraham
Accords of
2020, wherein
several Arab
states formally
recognized
Israel, altered
the regional
geopolitical landscape. Iran condemned these
agreements as betrayals of Muslim unity, intensifying
hostility towards both Israel and the states normalizing
relations with it. Israel views the accords as strategic
defense against Iran and its proxies, deepening the
ideological and political rift that fuels the ongoing
tension.

KEY TREATIES AND AGREEMENTS

THE TREATY ON THE NON-PROLIFERATION OF
NUCLEAR WEAPONS (NPT)

It was established in 1968, and serves as the

cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation
regime. It aims to prevent the spread of nuclear
weapons, promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy,
and advance disarmament efforts. The treaty enjoys
near-universal membership and operates under the
verification and monitoring authority of the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

THE COMPREHENSIVE NUCLEAR-TEST-BAN TREATY

(CTBT)

It was adopted in 1996, and prohibits all nuclear

explosions for both civilian and military purposes.
Although the treaty has yet to enter into force due to
certain key state ratifications remaining outstanding, it
garners broad international support and incorporates a
robust global monitoring system designed to detect
and deter any nuclear test activities.

THE TREATY ON THE PROHIBITION OF NUCLEAR

WEAPONS (TPNW)

It came into effect in 2017, and is the first international

agreement to comprehensively ban nuclear weapons,
including their development, possession, and use. This
treaty is primarily supported by non-nuclear-weapon
states and civil society organizations; however, it has
not been joined by any of the recognized nuclear-
armed powers.

THE JOINT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION

(JCPOA)

It is commonly referred to as the Iran nuclear deal,

restricts Iran’s nuclear program by setting limits on
uranium enrichment and enabling rigorous inspection
and verification by the IAEA. In return, it provides Iran
with relief from economic sanctions. The JCPOA was
formally endorsed by the United Nations Security
Council through Resolution 2231, reflecting international
consensus on its significance for nuclear non-
proliferation and regional stability.

CEASEFIRE AGREEMENTS AND

MEDIATION INITIATIVES

In response to the dramatic escalation in early 2025, a

ceasefire agreement was brokered in June 2025
through mediation efforts led by Qatar and the United
States. This ceasefire halted 12 days of intense missile
and drone exchanges and marked a crucial, though
fragile, diplomatic achievement amid ongoing
hostilities.

While the agreement focused on immediate cessation

of hostilities and reopening humanitarian corridors, it
did not address underlying political grievances or
security guarantees. Both Iran and Israel have
expressed skepticism toward long-term
implementation, reflecting persistent mistrust.
Such ceasefire agreements highlight the potential for
multilateral mediation to contain conflict escalation but
also underscore the challenge of transforming tactical
pauses into comprehensive peace frameworks.

JCPOA (JOINT COMPREHENSIVE

PLAN OF ACTION)
OVERVIEW OF JCPOA

The JCPOA, signed in 2015, was a landmark nuclear

agreement between Iran and six world powers—the
United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany,
Russia, China—plus the European Union. It aimed to
 prevent Iran from
developing
nuclear weapons
by limiting its
nuclear program
while allowing
peaceful nuclear
energy development. The deal balanced Iran’s rights
with global non-proliferation goals.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE JCPOA

Before the deal, fears grew around Iran's secretive

nuclear enrichment and tension with Western nations,
raising the risk of military conflict. The JCPOA provided a
diplomatic alternative by imposing strict limits and
continuous inspections on Iran’s nuclear activities,
giving the international community assurance against
weaponization while offering Iran economic relief.

IRAN’S COMMITMENTS

Iran agreed to cap uranium enrichment at 3.67%,

reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium by 98%, and
cut its number of centrifuges from 19,000 to 5,060. It
allowed daily monitoring by the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA), especially at key nuclear sites like
Natanz and Fordow, making covert nuclear weapons
development highly difficult.

SANCTIONS RELIEF

In return for compliance, the UN, EU, and US lifted

nuclear-related sanctions on Iran. This unblocked
billions in frozen assets, revived oil exports, improved
banking relations, and eased inflation, symbolizing hope
for economic recovery and reintegration into the global
economy for many Iranians.

US WITHDRAWAL AND AFTERMATH

In 2018, the US withdrew

from the JCPOA citing
concerns over Iran’s
missile program and
regional activities,
reimposing sanctions
that severely impacted
Iran's economy. Iran
responded by breaching several deal limits, increasing
uranium enrichment levels, expanding stockpiles, and
restricting IAEA access once more.

ATTEMPTS TO REVIVE THE DEAL

Since 2021, negotiations in Vienna have sought to

restore the JCPOA, but face political challenges. Iran
demands assurances against future US withdrawals,
while Western powers seek stronger terms. Meanwhile,
Iran’s advanced enrichment and ongoing regional
tensions with Israel raise doubt about diplomacy’s
prospects.

MONITORING AND VERIFICATION

The JCPOA includes a Joint Commission with

representatives from all parties to oversee
implementation, resolve disputes, and potentially grant
IAEA inspectors access to suspicious sites by majority
vote. The IAEA regularly reports on Iran’s compliance,
providing a framework designed to prevent secret
nuclear weapons development.

OVERVIEW OF ISRAEL’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM

Israel maintains a policy of nuclear ambiguity, neither

confirming nor denying its nuclear arsenal. Reports from
whistleblowers suggest Israel possesses 100 to 150
nuclear warheads with advanced weapons technology.
Israel is a non-signatory of the NPT and actively rejects
calls to join, complicating regional nuclear
disarmament efforts.

COUNTRY STANCES

The Iran-Israel nuclear tension has drawn sharp

international reactions, with global powers taking
different positions based on their strategic interests,
security concerns,and commitments to non-
proliferation. Below are four key national stances that
shape the broader diplomatic landscape.

IRAN

Iran claims its nuclear program is peaceful but has

threatened to leave the NPT, which would remove
international oversight. It is motivated by regional
influence and resistance to Western and Israeli
dominance. Governed by its Supreme Leader and the
IRGC, Iran possesses a large missile arsenal and
supports extensive proxy networks. In the 2025
escalation, Iran responded with missile and drone
strikes targeting Israel, U.S. bases, and allies. It also
seeks diplomatic solutions and humanitarian relief
through regional partners.

ISRAEL

Israel is not a party to the NPT and maintains nuclear

ambiguity, despite believed possession of nuclear
weapons. It sees Iran as a major existential threat and
leverages significant conventional and technological
military power. Israel’s security doctrine focuses on
deterrence and preventing nuclear proliferation. In the
2025 conflict, Israel conducted deep airstrikes,
assassinated key Iranian personnel, and defended
against missile and drone attacks, coordinating closely
with the United States.
UNITED STATES

The U.S. supports Israel with security, intelligence, and

military aid, playing a pivotal role in diplomatic
negotiations and military actions. It withdrew from the
JCPOA and reimposed sanctions on Iran while calling
for stricter nuclear limits. The U.S. has intercepted
Iranian missiles, conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear
sites, and worked to broker ceasefires, balancing
regional security with domestic and global political
concerns.

RUSSIA AND CHINA

Russia and China are strategic external actors with

vested economic and geopolitical interests in the
Middle East. They position themselves as mediators and
counterbalance Western influence, maintaining ties with
both Iran and Israel. Russia’s role is influenced by its
involvement in Syria and regional security, while China
focuses on economic engagement and energy security.
Both wield Security Council veto power to shape
outcomes favoring multipolarity.

REGIONAL STATES (SAUDI ARABIA, GULF STATES,

TURKEY, EGYPT, JORDAN)

Regional powers manage complex security concerns

regarding Iranian influence and conflict spillover. Saudi
Arabia and Gulf States engage primarily through
diplomacy and alliances like the Abraham Accords,
wary of direct military involvement. Egypt and Jordan
often act as mediators supporting UN-led humanitarian
efforts and efforts to stabilize the region.

NON-STATE ACTORS AND

PROXIES

Hezbollah: Iran's most capable ally based in

Lebanon, part of the “Axis of Resistance,” with a large
missile arsenal that could open a second front
against Israel. Since the latest escalation, Hezbollah
has been restraining active conflict to preserve its
assets amid Lebanon’s fragile internal dynamics.

Hamas: Operating mainly in Gaza, Hamas receives

financial and military support from Iran, engaging in
asymmetric warfare with Israel. Though somewhat
 marginalized in the broader Israel-Iran
marginalized in the broader Israel-Iran confrontation, it
confrontation, it remains part of the extended
remains part of the extended conflict network.
conflict network.

Houthis and Iraqi Militias: These groups act as

important nodes in Iran’s regional network,
conducting missile and drone attacks against Israel
and U.S. interests "in coordination" with Tehran. Their
activities complicate Israel’s security by elevating
threats on multiple fronts.
NUCLEAR ASYMMETRY &
REGIONAL INSTABILITY

The nuclear imbalance fuels regional instability. Iran has

enriched uranium up to 90% weapons-grade, with parts
unaccounted for, while Israel possesses an estimated
90 nuclear warheads but remains outside NPT
monitoring. This asymmetry generates mistrust and
justifies Iran’s nuclear advances. Experts estimate that
over two-thirds believe this imbalance worsens regional
tensions and hampers disarmament efforts.

PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

To address these gaps, empowering the IAEA with full

access and inspection authority over all nuclear
facilities, especially in high-risk regions like the Middle
East, is essential. Encouraging universal participation in
global non-proliferation treaties, including from Israel,
would create a balanced framework where all states
adhere to standardized rules, thus reducing the risk of
clandestine nuclear development.
Combined diplomatic and security approaches
including reinforcing IAEA monitoring and transparency
measures to build mutual trust should be considered.
Binding ceasefire agreements, curtailing arms transfers
and proxy activities, and enhancing embargo and
sanctions enforcement could reduce hostilities.
Structured regional dialogue and dispute resolution
mechanisms under Security Council oversight may help
address deeper causes while ensuring humanitarian
protections.

The future of the NPT in the Middle East relies on

peaceful dialogue and commitment to non-
proliferation. A diplomatic solution such as returning to
the JCPOA, enhancing transparency, and building trust
can help ease tensions. The IAEA’s monitoring will
remain key to ensuring nuclear materials are used
peacefully and promoting regional stability.

QARMA Questions
What mechanisms can be implemented to grant the
IAEA full and verifiable access to all nuclear sites in
IranIran
andand
the the
broader Middle
broader EastEast
Middle region?
region?

How should the Council address and balance Israel’s

policy of nuclear ambiguity with global non-
proliferation objectives?

What strategies can effectively dismantle or limit

Iran’s network of proxy militant groups fueling
regional instability?

How can sanctions be structured to maximize

compliance without exacerbating humanitarian
crises in affected populations?

What role should regional stakeholders, including

Gulf states and Arab nations involved in the
Abraham Accords, play in conflict resolution efforts?

How can the Council establish enforceable

ceasefires and arms embargoes that successfully
limit proxy warfare and covert operations?

What coordinated cyber security frameworks can be

employed to prevent and respond to cyberattacks
related to the conflict?
How can diplomatic initiatives like the JCPOA be
reinforced or adapted to address violations and
emerging nuclear technologies?

What international legal measures can be used to

combat the risk of nuclear terrorism linked to state
and non-state actors in the region?

How should the Council balance immediate conflict

de-escalation with long-term political solutions that
address ideological and security concerns?

What mechanisms should be established to monitor

and ensure humanitarian protections and civilian
safety amid ongoing hostilities?
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BOOK: The United Nation by Victoria Schofield