Iran parliament considers plan to withdraw from NPT, official says

The Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission has finalised a plan for Iran’s potential withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in response to the European snapback initiative, though no decision has yet been taken by the legislature, a parliamentary spokesperson said.

In an interview with Tasnim, Spokesperson for Iran’s Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Ebrahim Rezaei stated that in reaction to what he described as “the illegal actions of the European troika in triggering the snapback mechanism of the 2015 nuclear deal, many Parliament members have proposed withdrawal from the NPT, with around 15 draft plans submitted so far," Caliber.Az reports.

He clarified that although the commission has finalised one plan, it has not yet been placed on the Parliament’s agenda.

According to the proposed plan, if the snapback mechanism is activated, the Iranian government would be required to formally notify the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors of its withdrawal from the NPT, Rezaei said.

The spokesperson emphasised that “under current circumstances, Iran has no reason to remain in the NPT.”

He argued that while the NPT and IAEA statutes obligate the agency to assist Iran in developing its nuclear industry and technology, this support has not been provided.

“Iran has complied with extensive inspections to prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, but the IAEA failed to fulfill its obligations, creating conditions used as a pretext for attacks against Iran,” he added. “We have seen no benefit from our NPT membership or cooperation with the IAEA and therefore do not see a reason to continue.”

Regarding remarks by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as head of the Supreme National Security Council, that Iran will not leave the NPT, Rezaei stressed that the Parliament is independent.

“Withdrawal from the NPT requires national consensus. The representatives of the Iranian nation have gathered in the Parliament, not the government, and the president cannot impose his opinion on Parliament,” he added.

By Sabina Mammadli