Iranian lawmakers are reportedly drafting a proposal that could lead to the country withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a global agreement aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. This potential move comes just days after Israeli airstrikes and growing scrutiny from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
During a press briefing on Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, confirmed the development, saying, “In light of recent events, an appropriate decision will be made. The government is required to act on bills passed by parliament. Although this bill is still being prepared, we will coordinate closely with lawmakers as it progresses.”
The NPT, which Iran ratified in 1970, permits countries to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes while agreeing not to pursue atomic weapons. It also requires nations to cooperate with the IAEA to ensure compliance. While Iran has consistently insisted that its nuclear program is for civilian use only, the IAEA recently declared that Tehran is in violation of its NPT commitments.
The tensions escalated after Israel launched airstrikes against Iran last week, alleging that Tehran was close to developing a nuclear bomb. Iran, however, maintains that its program is strictly peaceful and guided by a religious decree issued by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which forbids the production or use of nuclear weapons.
President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed this sentiment on Monday, reaffirming that Iran has no intention of acquiring nuclear arms. Nevertheless, state media acknowledged that parliament is seriously considering the withdrawal from the NPT, though no official decision has been made yet.
Baghaei emphasized that Israel’s military aggression had influenced Tehran’s strategic stance. “Events like the Israeli attack naturally affect state decisions,” he said. He also suggested that the recent IAEA resolution against Iran may have paved the way for Israel’s action. “Those who supported the resolution prepared the ground for the attack,” he added.
It’s worth noting that Israel itself has never joined the NPT. While the country neither confirms nor denies possessing nuclear weapons, it is widely believed to have an extensive arsenal. “The Zionist regime is the only possessor of weapons of mass destruction in the region,” Baghaei stated.
If Iran follows through with this withdrawal, it could mark a significant turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics, further complicating diplomatic efforts and nuclear negotiations. While no timeline has been provided for the proposed legislation, its mere existence signals Iran’s deepening frustration with international oversight and regional hostilities.
