Iran Considers Exiting Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Amidst Potential European Sanctions

Iran has issued a stark warning, indicating its potential withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) should European countries reimpose sanctions. This development comes as tensions heighten prior to key discussions in Istanbul involving Britain, France, and Germany. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, emphasized that if the "snapback" mechanism of the 2015 nuclear agreement is enacted, Iran would cease to exercise restraint.

The 2015 accord, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was designed to ease sanctions on Iran in exchange for limits on its nuclear activities. However, the deal has been under strain since the United States, under President Donald Trump, withdrew from it in 2018. European nations are now contemplating reinstating sanctions due to Iran's non-compliance with agreed enrichment caps and inspection guidelines.

Gharibabadi acknowledged the domestic calls for Iran to exit the NPT, particularly following recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites attributed to Israel and the U.S. Despite this, he noted Iran's ongoing commitment to the treaty. He warned, however, that activation of snapback sanctions could prompt Iran to leave the NPT. Should Iran withdraw, it would follow North Korea, which exited the treaty in 2003, an action that remains unrecognized formally.

This cautionary statement coincides with the U.S.'s renewed attempts to revive negotiations with Iran. Iran's representative stressed the need for the U.S. to restore trust and engage in discussions earnestly. Iran has also called on European nations to operate independently rather than echoing U.S. policies. Gharibabadi questioned the benefit of engaging with Europe if its stance continues to mirror that of the U.S.

Concurrently, Iran has consented to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) into the country in the near future. Nonetheless, the access granted will be restricted to preliminary talks rather than full site inspections, reflecting ongoing distrust. While Iran asserts the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, its uranium enrichment and missile development remain points of international concern, with Israel cautioning that Iran is approaching the capability to construct nuclear weapons.