Iran possibly to abandon main nuclear arms agreement
(MENAFN) Iran may withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and intensify its uranium enrichment efforts if Western European countries reinstate tough economic sanctions, a senior Iranian lawmaker has cautioned.
Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesman for the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, told Tasnim news agency on Saturday that the UK, France, and Germany would face consequences if they invoke the snapback sanctions outlined in the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran.
Rezaei outlined potential retaliatory measures, including exiting the NPT, raising uranium enrichment levels beyond 60% purity, and producing and exporting advanced centrifuges. He stressed that Iran has not yet utilized its full capabilities and could explore a range of additional strategic options if necessary.
The NPT, designed to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and promote peaceful nuclear energy, is one of the most widely supported arms control treaties, signed by 191 countries. However, India, Pakistan, Israel, and South Sudan have never joined, while North Korea withdrew in 2003.
Rezaei’s comments follow recent remarks from French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who announced that Britain, France, and Germany are prepared to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran by the end of August unless there is tangible progress in nuclear negotiations.
One key obstacle has been Iran’s suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), effectively blocking monitoring of its nuclear activities. Tehran has accused the IAEA of issuing biased reports, allegedly used by Israel to justify a 12-day military campaign against Iran.
Last month, Israel, with US support, launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities, prompting retaliatory attacks from Tehran. These developments came as US-Iran nuclear talks stalled, with Washington demanding Iran cease all uranium enrichment over concerns it could lead to nuclear weapons production. Iran insists its enrichment program is solely for civilian energy needs and denies any intentions to build nuclear arms.
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