Why is News :
- Iran’s Parliament is drafting a bill to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) following Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear sites.
- This is the first formal move since 1970 to reconsider its NPT obligations amidst deepening geopolitical tensions.
What is the NPT?
Signed in 1968, entered into force in 1970.
Three Pillars:
- Non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
- Peaceful use of nuclear energy.
- Disarmament efforts by nuclear-armed states.
Recognised Nuclear-Weapon States (NWS): US, UK, France, Russia, China (tested before 1967).
India, Pakistan, Israel never signed. North Korea withdrew in 2003.
Iran’s NPT Journey
- Joined in 1970, prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
- Has faced long-standing allegations over its nuclear weapon ambitions.
IAEA censure in 2024-25 over:
- Lack of cooperation.
- Presence of undeclared nuclear material.
- Incomplete reporting and access denial to inspection teams.
Why Is Iran Considering Withdrawal?
- Triggering Event: Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities & retaliatory missile attacks.
- Iran cites “extraordinary events” affecting national security—a basis under Article 10 of the NPT for lawful withdrawal.
- Belief that current NPT safeguards are being used politically against it, without protecting its sovereign energy rights.
Implications of Withdrawal
End of IAEA Inspections:
- IAEA conducted 1.4 site visits/day in 2023; withdrawal ends this oversight.
- International community will lose transparency over Iran’s nuclear progress.
Risk of Weaponization:
- Like North Korea (2003), withdrawal could signal a shift toward acquiring nuclear weapons.
- However, withdrawal ≠ immediate weaponization.
Global Non-Proliferation Weakening:
- Sets a dangerous precedent.
- May embolden other countries to consider nuclear options or reject oversight.
Impact on Regional Stability:
- Middle East may enter a nuclear arms race (e.g., Saudi Arabia’s past warnings).
- Could further complicate ties with the US, EU, and Gulf neighbours.
Scholarly Insight
- NPT, despite flaws, creates normative pressure against proliferation.
- Withdrawal = erosion of global trust in arms control treaties.
- Even partial compliance helps slow down nuclear ambitions.
India’s Position and Relevance
- India is not a signatory to the NPT due to its discriminatory structure.
- Supports a universal, non-discriminatory approach to disarmament.
- India can play a diplomatic balancing role given its growing stature and ties with both Iran and the West.
UPSC Relevance
GS2 : International Relations
Nuclear Treaties, Iran-West Relations, Middle East Geopolitics
GS3 : Internal Security
Strategic Weapon Systems, Technology and National Security
Mains Practice Question
Q. Iran’s potential withdrawal from the NPT poses serious challenges to global non-proliferation. Discuss the implications of such a move and how it could impact regional and global security. (15 marks)