Nuclear program of Iran Iran and the U.S. dispute at a review conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons at the United Nations , amid...

The United States and Iran have clashed over Tehran’s nuclear program as a review of the treaty meant to prevent the spread of atomic weapons got underway at the United Nations.

This image taken from UNTV video shows United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres speaking at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York, Monday, April 20, 2026.

UNITED NATIONS () — The United States and Iran clashed over Tehran’s nuclear program as a review of the treaty meant to prevent the spread of atomic weapons got underway Monday at the United Nations, a confrontation almost certain to be repeated during the monthlong meeting.

At issue was the election of Iran as one of 34 vice presidents of the conference, where 191 parties to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty are reviewing its implementation as they have done every five years since it took effect in 1970.

Iran was a candidate of what has been dubbed the “nonaligned movement,” made up of 121 mainly developing countries.

Tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program escalated ahead of the Iran war, with President Donald Trump vowing to ensure the country cannot build an atomic weapon.

Iran has enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels, but Tehran insists its program is only for civilian purposes.

The meeting began as Iran offered to reopen the Strait if Hormuz if the U.S.

Lifted its blockade of Iranian shipping and ended the war, while delaying talks about the nuclear program.

Iran is a party to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, which requires the country to cooperate with the U.N.

But Iran has not given inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency access to nuclear sites that were bombed by the U.S.

Assistant secretary of state for arms control and nonproliferation, said that while there may be differing views about Iran’s ultimate intent and how to address its program, Iran has shown “contempt” for its commitments under the treaty.

“Rather than choosing to use this review conference to defend the integrity of the NPT and call Iran to account, we instead elect Iran a vice president,” Yeaw said.

“It is beyond shameful and an embarrassment to the credibility of this conference.”.

The political importance lies in whether the issue moves from public comment into formal action, party response, court record, election authority notice or administrative decision.

For public institutions and political groups, the next test is whether the issue remains a public argument or turns into a formal response, legal proceeding, administrative instruction or election-related communication.