Arabic version: نواب إيرانيون يقترحون الخروج من معاهدة الحد من انتشار الأسلحة النووية
Iranian politicians are advocating for the country’s withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as the United States and Israel escalate military operations targeting civilian nuclear sites, steel factories, and educational institutions. Ebrahim Rezaei, the spokesman for the national security commission of parliament, stated that remaining a signatory to the NPT is meaningless for Iran, claiming it has provided no benefits. According to Al Jazeera, Malek Shariati, a Tehran representative, noted that a significant piece of legislation aimed at exiting the NPT has been uploaded for parliamentary review.
The proposed legislation would not only withdraw Iran from the NPT but also annul a law that imposed nuclear restrictions associated with the now-defunct 2015 nuclear deal. It aims to support a new international treaty focused on developing peaceful nuclear technologies in collaboration with aligned nations. Hardliners in Iran have previously called for an NPT exit in response to external pressures.
Intensifying military actions have seen Israeli and U.S. forces target key infrastructure, including a yellowcake facility in Yazd and the Khondab Heavy Water Complex. These attacks have raised concerns about long-term impacts on Iran’s economy, which is already grappling with soaring inflation and an energy crisis. The strikes have also affected major steel production complexes, leading to the suspension of operations and jeopardizing thousands of jobs.
As the conflict escalates, Iranian authorities have accused the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of complicity in the attacks on nuclear sites, a claim the agency denies. The situation has been further complicated by significant internet restrictions in Iran, limiting citizens’ ability to communicate freely and report on the ongoing violence. The Iranian government has enforced strict measures against protests, heightening tensions within the country.
