What Is the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and Why Does Iran Want to Leave It?

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Iran is reportedly considering withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) following U.S. airstrikes on three of its nuclear facilities on June 22, 2025.

A report by The Conversation on June 23 stated that some Iranian parliament members have proposed pulling out of the treaty, arguing that the attacks pose a serious threat to the country’s national interests.

This proposed withdrawal refers to Article 10 of the NPT, which permits a member state to exit the treaty if extraordinary events have jeopardized its vital interests. Iran may cite this clause to justify its departure, a move previously taken by North Korea.

Understanding the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

The NPT is a landmark international agreement designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and related technologies, to encourage cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to support progress toward global nuclear disarmament.

According to the United Nations, it remains the only multilateral treaty that commits nuclear-armed states to pursue disarmament.

First opened for signature in 1968 and entering into force on March 5, 1970, the NPT was extended indefinitely on May 11, 1995. A total of 191 countries are now parties to the treaty, including the five recognized nuclear-weapon states.

Under the treaty, non-nuclear-weapon states commit to neither develop nor acquire nuclear weapons or explosive devices, while nuclear-weapon states agree not to assist or encourage others in doing so.

A nuclear-weapon state, as defined in the treaty, is one that manufactured and exploded a nuclear weapon or device prior to January 1, 1967.

IAEA’s Oversight Role

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the body responsible for verifying that member states comply with the NPT. It functions as an international nuclear inspectorate, monitoring nuclear facilities to ensure that they are not used for weapons development.

The IAEA also plays a central role in advancing peaceful nuclear cooperation, as outlined in Article IV of the treaty.

Through programs supporting energy security, healthcare, food production, water resource management, and industrial development, the agency helps member states achieve broader sustainable development goals.

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