Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to Attend Chemical Weapons Convention Meeting in The Hague

Iranian Foreign Minister to Address Global Chemical Weapons Body

Abbas Araqchi, the Foreign Minister of Iran, is scheduled to arrive in The Hague, Netherlands, on November 25, 2025, to attend the annual meeting of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). The visit will see Minister Araqchi participate in the Thirtieth Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP-30), a crucial gathering for the international chemical disarmament regime.

The CSP-30 is slated to run from November 24 to 28, 2025, at the World Forum in The Hague. This annual conference serves as the principal oversight body for the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), reviewing compliance and promoting the treaty's objectives among its member states.

Iran's Historical Stance on Chemical Weapons

Iran holds a unique and significant perspective on chemical weapons, having been a major victim of their use during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War. During this conflict, Iraqi forces reportedly carried out repeated attacks using Western-supplied mustard gas and nerve agents, affecting both military personnel and civilian populations. The widely documented 1988 Halabja attack is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of chemical warfare. Tens of thousands of Iranians were exposed, leading to long-term respiratory, ocular, and skin damage, with many survivors still requiring medical care today. This history underscores Iran's commitment to the CWC and its objectives.

The Role of the Conference of the States Parties

The Conference of the States Parties is composed of representatives from all OPCW Member States, with each state holding one vote. Its primary functions include:

• Overseeing the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
• Promoting the Convention's objectives globally.
• Reviewing compliance with the treaty by member states.

The meeting provides a platform for high-level officials to discuss challenges, advancements, and future strategies in chemical disarmament and non-proliferation.

Minister Araqchi's Recent Diplomatic Engagements

Abbas Araqchi assumed the role of Iran's Foreign Minister in August 2024. Prior to his visit to the Netherlands, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Minister Araqchi would also undertake an official visit to Oman. In recent statements, Araqchi has reiterated Iran's readiness for diplomacy concerning its nuclear program, emphasizing that the country 'will not give in to pressure and bullying' and 'will not sacrifice its right to have a peaceful nuclear program.' These broader diplomatic positions may inform discussions on the sidelines of the CWC meeting, even if not directly related to chemical weapons issues.