Iran Moves Toward Possible Withdrawal From NPT
Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that members of parliament are drafting legislation that could pave the way for Tehran to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), amid rising tensions over its nuclear programme.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed at a press conference that the proposed bill is under development and that coordination between the government and the Islamic Consultative Assembly is ongoing.
“The proposed plans are being drafted, and necessary coordination with the parliament is underway,” Baghaei said. “Iran will make an appropriate decision based on developments. We are in close contact with the parliament, and any decisions passed by the Islamic Consultative Assembly will be binding for the government.”
Iran ratified the NPT in 1970. The treaty allows signatories to pursue peaceful nuclear energy while obliging them to renounce nuclear weapons development and cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Tensions over Iran’s nuclear activities escalated last week after Israel launched airstrikes, alleging that Tehran was close to acquiring a nuclear weapon. The Islamic Republic has repeatedly insisted its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes.
However, the IAEA recently reported that Iran has violated its obligations under the NPT framework, further fuelling international concern over its nuclear ambitions.
