Iranian parliament drafting bill to exit nuclear non-proliferation treaty

Iran’s parliament has initiated steps to draft legislation for the country’s potential withdrawal from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in response to ongoing Israeli military aggression.

The NPT, signed in 1970, is an international agreement aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and related technologies while promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced the move, stating that while the parliament is preparing to leave the treaty, Tehran remains firmly opposed to the development and use of weapons of mass destr*ction.

The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which Iran ratified in 1970, permits signatory states to pursue civilian nuclear energy, provided they refrain from developing nuclear weapons and cooperate with the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Last week, Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, alleging that Tehran was nearing the development of a nuclear bomb. Iran has consistently asserted that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes. However, the IAEA stated last week that Iran was not fulfilling its obligations under the NPT.

President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated on Monday that the development of nuclear weapons is prohibited by a religious fatwa issued by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

While Iranian state media reported that parliament has not yet made a formal decision to withdraw from the NPT, a senior lawmaker confirmed that the proposal is currently in its early legislative stages.

Ismail Baqeri, a member of the Iranian parliament, stated that Israel’s attack has naturally impacted the country’s strategic considerations. He also linked the assault to a recent IAEA resolution, calling it one of the factors that led to the strike.