Commission Finalizes Draft on Iran’s NPT Withdrawal, Parliament Yet to Decide
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission has reached a conclusion on a final plan for Iran’s withdrawal from the NPT in response to the European snapback initiative, but no decision has yet been taken by the legislature, a spokesman said.
In an interview with Tasnim, Ebrahim Rezaei stated that in reaction to 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.
He clarified that although the commission has finalized 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 IAEA Board of Governors of its withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, he said.
The spokesperson emphasized 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,” he said.
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.
