Statement of the G7 Non-Proliferation Directors Group on the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

We, the G7 Non-proliferation Directors Group, reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and underline the authority and primacy of the NPT as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, and the foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament and for the development of peaceful uses of nuclear technology. Amidst the pressing and unprecedented challenges that threaten global security and stability, we commit to working with all States Parties to achieve a successful Review Conference in 2026 and to pursue the broadest possible consensus on measures to reinforce the NPT regime across all its three pillars. We call on those States that have not yet done so to accede to the NPT, and for all States Parties to fully implement their obligations under the Treaty. 

We recognize the Treaty’s vital role in promoting international peace and security, preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and having enabled a significant reduction in nuclear weapons stockpiles from Cold War highs. We reaffirm our commitment to the ultimate goal of the worldwide elimination of nuclear weapons with undiminished security for all. In this regard, we are concerned with China’s and Russia’s significant nuclear weapons build-up and modernization. Concrete risk reduction measures should be pursued. Our security policies are based on the understanding that nuclear weapons, for as long as they exist, should serve defensive purposes, deter aggression and prevent war and coercion. We strongly encourage the United States’ pursuit of multilateral strategic stability.

We highlight the leading role of G7 members in supporting the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and strengthening its safeguards system, including by promoting the universal adoption and effective implementation of Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements and Additional Protocols as the standard for verification under Article III of the Treaty. We reaffirm that full compliance with the NPT and relevant safeguards obligations is essential to ensuring international confidence in the peaceful nature of nuclear activities. The G7 remains determined that Iran must never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. We demand that the DPRK abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs in accordance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and reiterate that the DPRK cannot and will not have the status of a nuclear-weapon State in accordance with the NPT, nor any special status of any kind.

We emphasize that access to the peaceful use of nuclear technology is a critical driver of sustainable economic growth. In this regard, G7 members reaffirm their commitment to support the IAEA in the promotion of nuclear energy, science, and technology for peaceful purposes, noting that our collective contribution to the IAEA’s technical cooperation fund since 2010 exceeds 727 million euros. By providing consistent financial and technical support and sharing best practices, we demonstrate our political resolve to ensure that the Agency contributes to sharing the benefits of nuclear power and non-power applications.