NPT review conference ends without agreement as nuclear divisions deepen

The 11th Review Conference of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has concluded in New York without adopting a final document, amid deep divisions between nuclear-armed states and the majority of participating countries advocating for accelerated disarmament.

Efforts to advance nuclear disarmament were met with resistance from nuclear-armed states and their allies, while most other delegations called for urgent action to reduce nuclear risks and move toward elimination, Caliber.Az reports, citing ICAN.

According to participating states, the negotiations highlighted a broad divide, with many countries emphasising catastrophic humanitarian consequences linked to any use of nuclear weapons. Nuclear-armed states, however, opposed language referencing these impacts, with some questioning the scientific consensus on the issue.

The conference also failed to endorse the establishment of a UN Scientific Panel on “Nuclear war effects and scientific research,” despite support from many states seeking updated global assessments of nuclear risks.

ICAN Director of Programmes Susi Snyder said: “There is a reason why the countries that claim protection from nuclear weapons are afraid of discussion of what these weapons actually do to people and the environment. They simply don’t want people to know the true extent of the horror and cruelty nuclear weapons wreak, because acknowledging these harms will eliminate any credible legitimacy for retaining nuclear weapons.”

Delegates also disagreed over nuclear testing norms and failed to call for broader ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The conference did not reach consensus on recognising the long-term impacts of past nuclear weapons testing, despite UN General Assembly resolutions on the issue in recent years.

Critics warned that the lack of agreement risks weakening global non-proliferation norms and could be interpreted as undermining long-standing testing restraints.

Discussions also highlighted growing concerns over proliferation risks, including debates on North Korea’s nuclear programme and tensions involving Iran. Some states expressed concern over reported strikes on nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.

The conference also failed to reach agreement on issues related to nuclear sharing, extended deterrence, and emerging doctrines described as “forward deterrence,” despite warnings from several delegations about increased risks of nuclear escalation.

Many NPT member states are also parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which advocates a legal pathway toward elimination of nuclear arms. However, nuclear-armed states opposed any reference to the treaty in the final text.

The NPT process will continue, with the next preparatory session of the review cycle scheduled to take place in Vienna in July 2028.

By Sabina Mammadli