US, Iran Clash at UN NPT

The United States and Iran clashed at the United Nations on Monday during the 11th conference to review the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The dispute arose over Iran's nuclear program and its selection as one of the conference's vice presidents. Christopher Yeaw of the United States called Iran's selection an 'affront' to the NPT, citing Iran's alleged contempt for non-proliferation commitments and refusal to cooperate with the International — International Atomic Energy Agency. Reza Najafi, Iran's ambassador to the International — International Atomic Energy Agency, dismissed the US statement as 'baseless and politically motivated', arguing that the United States, as the only state to have used nuclear weapons, is not in a position to arbitrate compliance. The nuclear issue is central to the ongoing two-month conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Donald Trump reiterated that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently maintained its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and has proposed delaying discussions on its nuclear program until the current conflict and disputes over shipping from the Gulf are resolved.