Iran is considering a withdrawal from the landmark Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a move that could signal a major shift in its nuclear policy and further escalate regional tensions. The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed on Monday that the country’s parliament is drafting a bill proposing Tehran’s exit from the treaty, while insisting that Iran continues to oppose the development of nuclear weapons.
Despite the potential departure from the NPT, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed that Iran has no intention of pursuing nuclear arms. He reiterated the Islamic Republic’s longstanding position that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes. Citing a religious decree by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s opposition to weapons of mass destruction.
The NPT, established in 1968, is a cornerstone of global nuclear disarmament efforts. It seeks to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and technologies while promoting peaceful nuclear cooperation and eventual disarmament. Iran’s possible exit would mark a significant departure from its decades-long adherence to the international framework.
The announcement comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, as Iran and Israel exchange missile strikes in a dramatic escalation of hostilities. The ongoing conflict, now in its third day, has deepened fears of a wider regional war. Israel has issued warnings for civilians living near Iranian weapons facilities to evacuate, indicating that further strikes may be imminent.
This flare-up comes against the backdrop of Iran’s expanding nuclear capabilities. Since the United States' withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in 2018, Tehran has significantly ramped up uranium enrichment. While Iranian officials insist the program remains peaceful, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly cautioned that Iran now possesses enough highly enriched uranium to potentially build several nuclear weapons if it chose to do so.
As the international community calls for de-escalation, Iran’s potential withdrawal from the NPT adds another layer of uncertainty. Observers warn that such a move could undermine non-proliferation efforts and prompt a shift in regional security dynamics, particularly amid fears of an unchecked nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
