Iran Weighs Possible Withdrawal from Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

TEHRAN: Iran is considering whether to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), according to Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei, who said any decision would depend on future actions by the United States.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Rezaei said Iran had not changed its stated nuclear doctrine and remained committed to the religious decree opposing nuclear weapons. However, he said Tehran was reviewing its position on continued membership of the NPT.

Rezaei said Iran had not yet made a final decision on withdrawal. He linked the issue to what he described as US conduct toward Iran, including ongoing political and military pressure.

His comments come amid heightened international concern over Iran’s nuclear programme. Earlier this month, the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors adopted a resolution referring Iran’s alleged non-compliance with its nuclear obligations to the United Nations Security Council.

Iran has rejected the accusations and maintained that its nuclear programme is peaceful. Tehran has also argued that security conditions following military attacks have made normal international inspections difficult.

The possibility of an NPT withdrawal would add another layer to an already tense dispute involving Iran, the United States and European powers. For now, however, Rezaei’s comments indicate that Tehran is considering the option rather than announcing an immediate decision to leave the treaty.

The issue is expected to remain closely watched as diplomatic efforts continue and international pressure over Iran’s nuclear programme develops.