Former diplomat warns forcing Iran out of the NPT is the greatest danger

According to former Indian diplomat M.K. Bhadrakumar, the tension between Iran and Israel stems not from the possibility of Tehran developing nuclear weapons, but from Israel’s ambition to preserve its regional dominance.

Drawing on his 30-year diplomatic career involving close contact with Iran, Bhadrakumar expressed that his greatest fear is the prospect of Iran being pressured into withdrawing from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

‘The real issue is Israel’s regional dominance’

Speaking at an online panel organized by the Schiller Institute titled We Must Reject the Path to Nuclear War, Bhadrakumar asserted that he does not believe the current situation originates from Iran’s nuclear program. “This is the core of the problem. I have never believed that Iran is creating nuclear weapons. So, where does that leave us today? It’s all about Israel’s security. Israel is a major global military power. It is the world’s foremost military state, a position secured through the unified support of the US and European governments,” he assessed.

Emphasizing that Iran is a signatory to the NPT and remains open to international inspections, Bhadrakumar stressed the geopolitical nature of the conflict. “The problem is geopolitical, as it enables Israel’s continuous domination of the Middle East. In my view, this carries a grave responsibility for the current crisis,” he stated.

‘Forcing Iran to exit the NPT is the greatest danger’

Drawing attention to the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Bhadrakumar noted that Iran had significantly limited its nuclear program and allowed for comprehensive inspections under this agreement.

“My great fear is that Iran might take a step to leave the NPT. This is my biggest concern,” Bhadrakumar said.

Reflecting on his three decades of engagement with Iran’s political elite, Bhadrakumar remarked, “I see very little chance that Iran will relinquish its rights concerning its nuclear capabilities. This unfortunate position has been reaffirmed even in recent days.”

‘Regional movements are not Iran’s invention’

Bhadrakumar contended that movements such as Hamas and Hezbollah were not created by Iran but are natural outcomes of the region’s unresolved problems, especially the Palestinian issue. He explained, “Hamas, Hezbollah, and others are all manifestations of the circumstances and inherent rights within the region. Paradoxically, Iran is in a position to influence these groups toward moderation and must be included as a party to any potential comprehensive solution.”

‘There is still hope for diplomacy’

Despite the challenging circumstances, Bhadrakumar expressed his belief that a path for diplomacy still exists, highlighting Russia’s influence in the region. The former diplomat dismissed the notion of a rigid anti-Western bloc comprising Russia, China, and Iran, asserting that these nations each preserve their strategic autonomy.

Bhadrakumar assessed, “Russia holds significant influence in Iran. These countries follow their own paths and cherish their strategic autonomy, which is why I don’t subscribe to the idea of a rigid bloc. At the same time, however, there is a certain unity between Russia and Iran.”

Finally, Bhadrakumar recalled that Russia had previously proposed a consortium that involved storing Iran’s surplus enriched uranium on its territory, adding that such solutions might still be possible.