Iran threatens NPT exit over Israel bombing and IAEA resolution, says nuclear weapons still off-limits

Iran’s foreign ministry has confirmed that parliament is preparing a bill that could lead to Tehran’s withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). While no final decision has been made, the government has acknowledged that such a move is under consideration in response to recent international developments.

Parliament’s proposal still in early stages

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, said at a press conference that the proposal to exit the NPT is currently being drafted and remains at an initial legal stage. “The government has to enforce parliament bills, but such a proposal is just being prepared,” Baghaei stated. He added that the foreign ministry would coordinate with the parliament at later stages, depending on how the situation develops.

Tehran reaffirms position on nuclear weapons

Despite the legislative discussions, Iran reiterated its official stance against developing nuclear weapons. President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized on Monday that nuclear arms go against a religious decree issued by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran, a signatory of the NPT since 1970, has long maintained that its nuclear program is intended for civilian purposes.

Israel | Credit: X

Impact of Israel’s actions and IAEA resolution

The possible legislative push comes in the wake of Israel's recent airstrikes, which targeted Iranian sites based on claims that Tehran was nearing the development of a nuclear bomb. Iran denied these claims, while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) noted last week that Tehran was in breach of its NPT commitments. Baghaei stated that Israel’s attack had an effect on Iran’s strategic decisions and blamed the IAEA’s resolution for setting the stage. “Those voting for the resolution prepared the ground for the attack,” he said.

Baghaei also referred to Israel as “the only possessor of weapons of mass destruction in the region” and criticized its refusal to join the NPT. Israel has never signed the treaty and does not confirm or deny the possession of nuclear weapons, though it is widely believed to have them.

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