Iran may be preparing to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) following escalating regional tensions and renewed conflict with Israel, according to the country’s foreign ministry. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed on Monday that a bill is being drafted by Iranian lawmakers to propose Tehran’s exit from the NPT, although it remains in its early stages.
Baghaei emphasized that any move would align with parliamentary procedures and be coordinated with the government, noting, "We will take an appropriate decision in light of recent developments." He added that the Israeli attacks on Iran and the recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolution against Tehran were influencing strategic decisions.
Iran ratified the NPT in 1970, committing to peaceful use of nuclear energy while renouncing nuclear weapons. However, the IAEA stated last week that Iran was violating its obligations under the treaty. Israel, which has not signed the NPT, launched airstrikes last week claiming Tehran was nearing nuclear weapons capability. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only.
President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s position, citing a religious fatwa by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei against nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, state media clarified that no final decision has been made, and the bill is still under legal review.
Baghaei accused Israel of using the IAEA resolution as a pretext for military aggression and criticized nations backing the resolution for enabling the attack. He also condemned Israel’s alleged nuclear arsenal, calling it the "only possessor of weapons of mass destruction in the region."
Tensions continue to rise as Iran weighs its nuclear policy and international commitments amid mounting pressure and regional instability.