Middle East
Iran signals NPT withdrawal amid rising tensions with Israel

Following Israeli attacks reportedly approved by the US, Iran has signaled a potential withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Tehran announced it has suspended nuclear negotiations with the US and is preparing to leave the treaty.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei announced that the Iranian Parliament is drafting a bill to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
According to a report by Al Jazeera, Baghaei reiterated Iran’s opposition to weapons of mass destruction, implying that this move is intended as a political message. However, he also affirmed that Tehran remains against the development of such weapons.
The NPT, signed in 1968 and enacted in 1970, has 190 member states. It prohibits signatory countries, other than the US, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France, from acquiring nuclear weapons. In return, it permits them to pursue peaceful nuclear programs for electricity generation under the supervision of the United Nations (UN).
This announcement comes amid heightened military tensions and nuclear threats between Iran and Israel over the past week.
How the NPT move was triggered
Iran’s decision follows a comprehensive air assault launched by Israel on June 13. The operation, codenamed “Rising Lion,” targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, military command, and senior scientists.
The attacks resulted in the deaths of the Iranian Chief of General Staff, the Commander of the Revolutionary Guards, and nine nuclear scientists. According to Iranian authorities, a total of 224 civilians were killed.
In response, Iran launched over 100 ballistic missiles and drones at Israel. The retaliatory strikes hit Tel Aviv, Haifa, and several other cities, killing at least 24 people and injuring more than 400.
US-Iran nuclear talks halted
These developments have directly impacted diplomatic efforts. Iran announced an indefinite suspension of its nuclear negotiations with the US.
Hours before the Israeli attacks, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) published a report stating that Iran was not complying with its NPT obligations. Immediately following the report, Tehran announced the activation of a third uranium enrichment facility.
What is the NPT?
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is an international agreement signed in 1968 and enacted in 1970. It aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote the reduction of existing arsenals, and encourage the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Iran has been a party to the treaty since 1970.
However, Iran began to gradually step back from its commitments under the agreement after US President Donald Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. The Trump administration reimposed severe sanctions on Iran, causing significant damage to its economy.