TEHRAN — Iran may reconsider its membership in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the country’s foreign ministry revealed on Monday, as lawmakers begin drafting a bill that could lead to withdrawal. This comes amid escalating tensions following Israeli airstrikes and accusations about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed during a press conference that parliament is preparing a proposal to exit the NPT, although no final decision has been made. He emphasized that the government would coordinate with parliament once the bill progresses through the legal process.
Under the NPT, which Iran ratified in 1970, member states can pursue civilian nuclear energy but must renounce nuclear weapons and work closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iran insists its nuclear program remains peaceful and aligned with a religious edict by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which forbids nuclear weapons.
However, the IAEA recently declared Iran in violation of its treaty obligations. Shortly after, Israel launched military strikes, claiming Tehran was close to developing a bomb. Baghaei criticized the IAEA’s resolution, blaming it for giving Israel justification to attack.
“The Zionist regime is the only possessor of weapons of mass destruction in the region,” Baghaei stated, adding that Israel’s attack will naturally influence Iran’s future strategic decisions. Notably, Israel has never joined the NPT and neither confirms nor denies possessing nuclear weapons.
While Iran’s parliament has yet to make a formal decision, the ongoing military conflict and political pressure may accelerate the legislative process. Iranian state media and officials have hinted that the situation is evolving rapidly and could reshape Tehran’s stance on international treaties.