Israel should ratify the nuclear test ban treaty within five years — and Iran should also ratify but the timing is uncertain, Lassina Zerbo, the head of the UN organization established to implement the treaty said Wednesday.

Efforts have long been underway by the UN to fully ban nuclear testing, by getting all member states to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Israel signed it in 1996, but, along with the US and other countries, has resisted ratifying it until the proper 'regional context and appropriate timing.'