This report analyses the role of extra regional States, particularly the five nuclear-weapon states (NWS) under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, in establishing a future Middle East Weapons of Mass Destruction-Free Zone. It examines the protocols and relevant implications to the Middle East from established nuclear-weapon-free zones, and explores three key areas: defining the zone of application, securing negative security assurances and addressing maritime-related issues. These challenges involve navigating sovereignty disputes, foreign military bases, maritime boundaries and NWS reservations or interpretive statements to the protocols.
The report emphasizes the need for early and sustained engagement through proactive dialogue, and balancing regional security objectives with NWS strategic interests.
Citation: Chen Zake Kane and Sarah Ruth Opatowski, “The Role of Extraregional States in the Middle East WMD-Free Zone”, Geneva, 2025. https://doi.org/10.37559/MEWMDFZ/2025/.