The US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites on Sunday, June 22, has brought the treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) back into focus. Israel began its aggression toward Iran a week ago, and on Sunday, the US joined in, launching seven B-2 stealth bombers to carry out strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites.
As a result, Iran is now threatening to withdraw from the NPT. So, what is the NPT, how significant or effective is it, and what would Iran’s withdrawal mean?
WHAT IS THE NON-PROLIFERATION NUCLEAR WEAPONS TREATY
The Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT) is aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons, promoting cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and furthering the goal of nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament.
The NPT was opened for signature in 1968 and came into force on March 5, 1970. With 191 state parties, it is the most widely adhered to treaty in the field of nuclear non-proliferation.
NPT MEMBERS
The NPT divides its parties into two groups, nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear-weapon states. Countries that manufactured or exploded a nuclear weapon before January 1, 1967, are considered nuclear-weapon states. These include the US, Russia, the UK, France, and China. All others are categorised as non-nuclear-weapon states.
LEGAL OBLIGATION OF STATES UNDER NPT
Under the treaty, non-nuclear-weapon states commit not to manufacture or acquire nuclear weapons or nuclear explosives. And nuclear-weapon states commit not to encourage, assist, or induce any non-nuclear-weapon state to manufacture or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices.
Every non-nuclear-weapon state under the NPT is required to conclude a comprehensive safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The IAEA is responsible for verifying that these states are adhering to the treaty, which includes inspecting their nuclear sites.
NUCLEAR POWERS WHO DIDN’T SIGN THE NPT
Nuclear powers like India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea are not parties to the NPT. Israel does not acknowledge its nuclear programme. India has repeatedly criticised the treaty, calling it discriminatory and flawed, as it allows countries that had nuclear weapons before January 1, 1967, to retain them without obligating them to disarm.
CAN A COUNTRY WITHDRAW FROM THE NPT
Can a country withdraw from the NPT?
The answer is yes. According to Article 10 of the treaty, if a party decides that extraordinary events related to the subject matter of the NPT have jeopardised its supreme interests, it may withdraw after giving a three-month notice. North Korea withdrew from the treaty in 2003.
WHAT WILL IRAN’S WITHDRAWAL FROM THE NPT MEAN
If Iran withdraws, it will no longer be bound by the obligations of the treaty. As per experts, it would not be legally restricted from building nuclear weapons and could pursue nuclear activities without oversight by the IAEA. Iran would no longer be required to allow IAEA inspections of its nuclear sites.
While Iran has threatened to withdraw from the NPT in the past, experts believe the threat is more serious this time, forcing the entire world to closely watch Iran’s next move.
