Iran Considers Withdrawing from Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty After Israeli Airstrikes

Iran’s parliament is weighing a bill to withdraw from the landmark Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in the wake of Israel’s large-scale air campaign against Iranian targets, according to officials in Tehran.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on June 16 that lawmakers are drafting legislation that would pave the way for Iran to exit the treaty, which has been a cornerstone of global nuclear diplomacy since 1970.

“In light of recent developments, we are evaluating an appropriate response,” Baghaei stated. “Any legislation passed by parliament will be binding on the government. This proposal is under serious review, and the Foreign Ministry is coordinating closely with lawmakers on the matter.”

The NPT allows countries to pursue civilian nuclear energy but requires them to forgo nuclear weapons and cooperate with the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iran has been a party to the treaty since 1970.

Baghaei emphasized that Iran continues to honor its obligations under the NPT and opposes the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East. President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed that stance, stating that Iran has no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons, although it will continue its nuclear energy research. He noted that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a religious decree banning weapons of mass destruction.

Iranian media reported that no final decision has been made, but some lawmakers have confirmed that a formal legislative process to withdraw from the treaty has begun. Baghaei noted that ongoing hostilities with Israel will influence the country’s next steps.

According to The Guardian, Israel remains the only country in the Middle East believed to possess nuclear weapons, although it neither confirms nor denies that status and is not a signatory to the NPT.

Israel and Iran entered direct conflict on June 13, launching tit-for-tat airstrikes that have caused extensive casualties on both sides. Israel reports 24 people killed and 592 injured over four days of fighting. Iran’s Health Ministry says at least 224 people have died and 1,227 have been hospitalized following Israeli strikes.

Sources: Reuters, The Guardian