diff --git a/executables/nr-uesoftmodem.c b/executables/nr-uesoftmodem.c
index ec65c39a43..d8fb5c9427 100644
--- a/executables/nr-uesoftmodem.c
+++ b/executables/nr-uesoftmodem.c
@@ -192,11 +192,12 @@ int create_tasks_nrue(uint32_t ue_nb) {
       LOG_E(NR_RRC, "Create task for RRC UE failed\n");
       return -1;
     }
-
-    if (itti_create_task (TASK_NAS_NRUE, nas_nrue_task, NULL) < 0) {
-      LOG_E(NR_RRC, "Create task for NAS UE failed\n");
-      return -1;
-    }
+#if defined(ITTI_SIM) || defined(RFSIM_NAS)
+  if (itti_create_task (TASK_NAS_NRUE, nas_nrue_task, NULL) < 0) {
+    LOG_E(NR_RRC, "Create task for NAS UE failed\n");
+    return -1;
+  }
+#endif
   }
 
   itti_wait_ready(0);