Oman Chairs UN Talks on a WMD-Free Middle East

Oman Leads Preparations at United Nations Headquarters

New York, October 16, 2026: The Sultanate of Oman chaired a consultative meeting at United Nations headquarters in New York to prepare for the seventh session of the Conference on the Establishment of a Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction in the Middle East. According to the Oman News Agency (ONA), the conference is scheduled to take place from November 16 to 20, 2026.

Ambassador Omar Al Kathiri Presides Over Meeting

The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Ambassador Omar bin Said Al Kathiri, Permanent Representative of the Sultanate of Oman to the United Nations and President of the conference's seventh session. Representatives of member states and the United Nations Secretariat also participated in the discussions.

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Conference Agenda and Organisational Preparations Reviewed

Participants reviewed organisational and substantive preparations for the upcoming conference. Discussions included the proposed programme of work and arrangements required to support the session. These preparations are intended to help ensure that the conference can address its agenda and continue discussions on establishing a weapons-of-mass-destruction-free zone in the Middle East.

Working Committee's Progress Discussed

The consultative meeting also considered the outcomes of the working committee, which held several meetings during 2026. The committee discussed various subjects connected with the proposed regional zone. Its work forms part of the broader preparatory process ahead of the November conference.

Oman Seeks Dialogue and Regional Consensus

Oman's chairmanship focuses on encouraging dialogue and building consensus among countries across the Middle East. The initiative also aims to build on progress made during previous sessions and maintain momentum in the ongoing negotiations. Regional cooperation and sustained diplomatic engagement remain important elements of the process.

Efforts to Advance Nuclear Disarmament

The proposed zone aims to establish a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. The initiative is part of broader international discussions about regional security, arms control and non-proliferation. The upcoming conference will provide member states with an opportunity to continue considering the steps and arrangements needed to advance this objective.

Next Steps Ahead of the November Conference

The preparatory meeting marks another stage in the diplomatic process ahead of the November 16–20 session. With Oman chairing the conference, the focus remains on preparation, dialogue and consensus-building among participating states. The meeting's discussions are intended to support the continuation of negotiations towards the proposed zone.