Iran is currently functioning as though it is not a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem said on Tuesday (July 28), signalling a further deterioration in Tehran’s ties with the UN nuclear watchdog.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pickaxe-mountain-did-not-come-up-israel-denies-nuclear-site-was-discussed-in-trump-netanyahu-meeting-1785267444641">'Pickaxe Mountain did not come up': Israel denies nuclear site was discussed in Trump-Netanyahu meeting</a>&nbsp;Speaking in an interview broadcast on Iranian state television, Gharibabadi said no inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) were currently present in Iran. He added that Tehran had stopped submitting mandatory declarations to the agency and had suspended all IAEA access.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-to-present-trump-with-fresh-intel-on-iran-s-secret-pickaxe-mountain-nuclear-site-report-1785198683332">Netanyahu to present Trump with fresh intel on Iran's SECRET 'Pickaxe Mountain' nuclear site: Report</a>&nbsp;The remarks suggest Iran is effectively operating outside the treaty’s monitoring framework, although the country has not formally withdrawn from the NPT.&nbsp;Gharibabadi also said that discussion of a possible withdrawal from the treaty should not be considered off-limits. However, he stressed that any such move would require a thorough evaluation of its legal, security, religious and strategic implications.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-is-pursuing-alleged-us-war-crimes-through-legal-channels-what-are-these-channels-wion-decodes-1785187325727">Iran says it is pursuing alleged US ‘war crimes’ through legal channels. What are these channels? WION Decodes</a>&nbsp;His comments come amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and its relationship with international inspectors, though Tehran has not announced any formal decision to leave the NPT.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-republic-will-never-make-a-deal-with-the-us-iran-deputy-speaker-echoes-araghchi-s-remark-1785197204970">'Islamic Republic will never make a deal with the US': Iran deputy speaker echoes Araghchi’s remark</a>

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Iran is operating without IAEA oversight and suspending treaty access, functioning as a non-NPT state without formally withdrawing from the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Iran is currently functioning as though it is not a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem said on Tuesday (July 28), signalling a further deterioration in Tehran’s ties with the UN nuclear watchdog. Also read: 'Pickaxe Mountain did not come up': Israel denies nuclear site was discussed in Trump-Netanyahu meeting Speaking in an interview broadcast on Iranian state television, Gharibabadi said no inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) were currently present in Iran. He added that Tehran had stopped submitting mandatory declarations to the agency and had suspended all IAEA access. Also read: Netanyahu to present Trump with fresh intel on Iran's SECRET 'Pickaxe Mountain' nuclear site: Report The remarks suggest Iran is effectively operating outside the treaty’s monitoring framework, although the country has not formally withdrawn from the NPT. Gharibabadi also said that discussion of a possible withdrawal from the treaty should not be considered off-limits. However, he stressed that any such move would require a thorough evaluation of its legal, security, religious and strategic implications. Also read: Iran says it is pursuing alleged US ‘war crimes’ through legal channels. What are these channels? WION Decodes His comments come amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme and its relationship with international inspectors, though Tehran has not announced any formal decision to leave the NPT. Also read: 'Islamic Republic will never make a deal with the US': Iran deputy speaker echoes Araghchi’s remark

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Iran is operating without IAEA oversight and suspending treaty access, functioning as a non-NPT state without formally withdrawing from the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Iran says it is functioning as a non-NPT state, keeps door open on treaty exit

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) remains the cornerstone of global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Adopted in 1970, the NPT’s objectives are threefold: prevent proliferation, promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and advance nuclear disarmament. With 191 parties, it is one of the most widely supported arms control agreements in history. Despite its reach, a small number of countries have never signed it citing regional threats and security concerns.&nbsp;<h2>The NPT's Core Objectives</h2>The NPT is built upon three main pillars:&nbsp;Non-Proliferation: Preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology.Disarmament: Pursuing nuclear disarmament by nuclear-armed states.Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy: Promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy under strict safeguards.The treaty categorizes countries into nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear-weapon states, with the former agreeing to pursue disarmament and the latter committing not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons.&nbsp;<h2>Countries That Have Not Signed the NPT</h2>&nbsp;Despite the treaty's widespread adoption, four UN member states have never signed the NPT:<ol><li>India: India conducted its first nuclear test, Operation Smiling Buddha, in 1974 and has since developed a robust nuclear arsenal. It maintains a policy of 'credible minimum deterrence',which includes a 'no first use' pledge. It has not signed the NPT, citing concerns over its security environment and the treaty's discriminatory nature.</li></ol>2. Israel: Israel follows a policy of nuclear ambiguity, neither confirming nor denying the possession of nuclear weapons. It has not signed the NPT, emphasising its security needs in a volatile region.3. Pakistan: Pakistan developed nuclear weapons in response to India's nuclear program and conducted its first nuclear tests in 1998. Like India, it has not signed the NPT, arguing that the treaty is biased and does not address the security concerns of non-signatory states. it has 170 total warheads.4. North Korea: North Korea joined the NPT in 1985 but withdrew in 2003. It has since conducted multiple nuclear tests, leading to widespread international condemnation and sanctions. North Korea is estimated to have assembled 50 nuclear warheads.&nbsp;Meanwhile Iran has multiple times threatened to leave the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT). It has also, repeatedly raised regional tensions with its nuclear programme. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran’s uranium enrichment activities have, at times, approached weapons-grade levels, prompting warnings from the United States and other countries. During the 1980s, Iraq under Saddam Hussein pursued a covert nuclear weapons program, aiming to rival regional powers. The programme was largely dismantled after the Gulf War under UN supervision, but it demonstrated the historical nuclear ambitions in the Middle East.&nbsp;&nbsp;Beyond Iran and Iraq, several countries are suspected of pursuing nuclear weapons covertly. Syria operated a clandestine reactor at Al Kibar, destroyed by Israel in 2007, which the IAEA concluded was likely a nuclear reactor. Libya ran a covert nuclear weapons program during the 1970s and 1980s but voluntarily dismantled it in 2003 under international supervision.&nbsp;In conclusion, while the NPT has played a pivotal role in curbing the spread of nuclear weapons, the non-signature of certain countries highlights ongoing challenges in achieving global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Understanding the reasons behind their stance is crucial for addressing the complexities of nuclear diplomacy in the 21st century.

With 191 parties, it is one of the most widely supported arms control agreements in history. Despite its reach, a small number of countries have never signed it citing reginal thrats and security concerns.

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) remains the cornerstone of global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Adopted in 1970, the NPT’s objectives are threefold: prevent proliferation, promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and advance nuclear disarmament. With 191 parties, it is one of the most widely supported arms control agreements in history. Despite its reach, a small number of countries have never signed it citing regional threats and security concerns. The NPT's Core Objectives The NPT is built upon three main pillars: Non-Proliferation: Preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology. Disarmament: Pursuing nuclear disarmament by nuclear-armed states. Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy: Promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy under strict safeguards. The treaty categorizes countries into nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear-weapon states, with the former agreeing to pursue disarmament and the latter committing not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons. Countries That Have Not Signed the NPT Despite the treaty's widespread adoption, four UN member states have never signed the NPT: India: India conducted its first nuclear test, Operation Smiling Buddha, in 1974 and has since developed a robust nuclear arsenal. It maintains a policy of 'credible minimum deterrence',which includes a 'no first use' pledge. It has not signed the NPT, citing concerns over its security environment and the treaty's discriminatory nature. 2. Israel: Israel follows a policy of nuclear ambiguity, neither confirming nor denying the possession of nuclear weapons. It has not signed the NPT, emphasising its security needs in a volatile region. 3. Pakistan: Pakistan developed nuclear weapons in response to India's nuclear program and conducted its first nuclear tests in 1998. Like India, it has not signed the NPT, arguing that the treaty is biased and does not address the security concerns of non-signatory states. it has 170 total warheads. 4. North Korea: North Korea joined the NPT in 1985 but withdrew in 2003. It has since conducted multiple nuclear tests, leading to widespread international condemnation and sanctions. North Korea is estimated to have assembled 50 nuclear warheads. Meanwhile Iran has multiple times threatened to leave the nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT). It has also, repeatedly raised regional tensions with its nuclear programme. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran’s uranium enrichment activities have, at times, approached weapons-grade levels, prompting warnings from the United States and other countries. During the 1980s, Iraq under Saddam Hussein pursued a covert nuclear weapons program, aiming to rival regional powers. The programme was largely dismantled after the Gulf War under UN supervision, but it demonstrated the historical nuclear ambitions in the Middle East. Beyond Iran and Iraq, several countries are suspected of pursuing nuclear weapons covertly. Syria operated a clandestine reactor at Al Kibar, destroyed by Israel in 2007, which the IAEA concluded was likely a nuclear reactor. Libya ran a covert nuclear weapons program during the 1970s and 1980s but voluntarily dismantled it in 2003 under international supervision. In conclusion, while the NPT has played a pivotal role in curbing the spread of nuclear weapons, the non-signature of certain countries highlights ongoing challenges in achieving global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Understanding the reasons behind their stance is crucial for addressing the complexities of nuclear diplomacy in the 21st century.

With 191 parties, it is one of the most widely supported arms control agreements in history. Despite its reach, a small number of countries have never signed it citing reginal thrats and security concerns.

What is Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and why these three countries never signed? EXPLAINED

Abdul Qadeer Khan, Khan, the father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb, died of Covid in 2021. At the time of his death, he was a controversial figure, once a national hero of Pakistan who fell into disgrace after it emerged that he led a global proliferation network. That network was among key contributors to Iran's nuclear programme, currently under bombardment by Israel and the US amid an ongoing war. Here's the story of the Khan network.<h2>How AQ Khan proliferation network helped Iran nuclear programme</h2>The AQ Khan network's help to Iran's nuclear programme included helping the Islamic Republic build capabilities that could be used for nuclear weapons. &nbsp;Back in the 1980s and 1990s, the Pakistani metallurgist's clandestine proliferation network supplied Iran with critical nuclear technology as well as expertise.<h2>What did the AQ Khan Network give to Iran?</h2>It is believed that the AQ Khan network provided Iran with centrifuge technology and components. It included designs, components, and technical drawings for gas centrifuges, particularly P-1 and later P-2 models, used for enriching uranium. The designs were reportedly derived from those Khan had stole from from Dutch firm URENCO, when he was working in the Netherlands in the 1970s.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-israel-strikes-iran-idf-targets-irgc-hq-basij-hq-ideological-hq-1750678884219/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-israel-strikes-iran-idf-targets-irgc-hq-basij-hq-ideological-hq-1750678884219/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Iran got more than 2,000 centrifuge components and sub-assemblies, which helped build its secret pilot enrichment workshops in Kalaye Electrical Company, Tehran, among other places, in the 1989-1995 period. The Pakistani technology transfer is corroborated by the fact that centrifuges at Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment site looked similar to those at Pakistan’s Kahuta facility.<h2>Khan network gave Iran uranium enrichment technical know-how</h2>Khan’s network also reportedly gave Iran technical know-how, including blueprints and specifications for uranium enrichment. It is thought to have assisted in setting up uranium hexafluoride gas processes for Iran, that are critical for producing highly enriched uranium. HEU is a prerequisite for developing nuclear weapons.<h2>Did Pakistan give initial designs for nuclear weapons to Iran?</h2>According to multiple reports, Iranian scientists were trained in Pakistan on nuclear enrichment technology in 1988. It has been reported also that the Khan network gave Iran some blueprints for a Chinese nuclear warhead design. These reports are, however, inconclusive. But in 2018, when Israeli intel agency Mossad uncovered documents on the Amad Project, the secretive nuclear weapons programme of Iran in 1999–2003, it emerged that Pakistani designs may have been reworked in its warhead development. It is believed that the AQ Khan network provided assistance to Iran for high-explosive tests, detonator development for implosion-type bombs in this period.<h2>How did AQ Khan network operate?</h2>Centrifuge components and other nuclear materials were sent to Iran via intermediaries in countries like Dubai and Malaysia. It had been widely reported that a Sri Lankan, &nbsp;BSA Tahir, helped transfer P-2 centrifuge components to Iran for $3 million. Iran's payments for such transfers, running into millions of dollars, were made through foreign bank accounts.&nbsp;After its 2003 inspections, the UN nuclear agency IAEA reported that Iran’s P-1 model centrifuges were obtained from a 'foreign intermediary', identified as Khan, in 1989.<h2>Khan helped Iran cut time for enrichment capabilities</h2>The aid from the Khan network - both technology and expertise - possibly helped Iran cut its nuclear development timeline by a decade. It gave Iran a headstart in uranium enrichment at scale, in sites like Natanz.&nbsp;The Khan network was exposed in 2003, when Natanz facility - till then undeclared - was revealed. Iran agreed to name its suppliers, leading to global pressure on Pakistan, and the televised confession by AQ Khan in 2004 that led to his house arrest and eventual downfall from national hero to disgrace.<h2>Did Pakistani establishment help Khan in nuclear proliferation?</h2>In his confession and subsequent remarks, Khan said he acted own his own to sell nuclear technology to Iran as well as Libya, North Korea and possibly other countries. But at the time, allegations swirled that Pakistani officials such as Gen Mirza Aslam Beg either had approved, or were aware of, the Khan network's transfers to Iran. In subsequent years, Khan had alleged he faced pressure from the then Pakistani PM Benazir Bhutto's government, though these claims were rejected by officials. Interestingly, Iran's cooperation with IAEA at the time, and revelation of details of Khan's involvement in it, were seen by some in Pakistan as a betrayal of Pakistan's ‘Muslim brotherhood’ gesture. The episode caused a strain in Iran-Pakistan relations at the time.<h2>Could Iran have developed a nuclear programme without Khan network's help?</h2>Quite possibly so, because the Iranian nuclear programme was receiving help from several other countries, most notably Russia and China. But the AQ Khan network gave it much-needed acceleration.&nbsp;

The AQ Khan network helped Iranian nuclear programme by helping the Islamic Republic build capabilities that could possibly be used for nuclear weapons. 

Abdul Qadeer Khan, Khan, the father of Pakistan's nuclear bomb, died of Covid in 2021. At the time of his death, he was a controversial figure, once a national hero of Pakistan who fell into disgrace after it emerged that he led a global proliferation network. That network was among key contributors to Iran's nuclear programme, currently under bombardment by Israel and the US amid an ongoing war. Here's the story of the Khan network. How AQ Khan proliferation network helped Iran nuclear programme The AQ Khan network's help to Iran's nuclear programme included helping the Islamic Republic build capabilities that could be used for nuclear weapons. Back in the 1980s and 1990s, the Pakistani metallurgist's clandestine proliferation network supplied Iran with critical nuclear technology as well as expertise. What did the AQ Khan Network give to Iran? It is believed that the AQ Khan network provided Iran with centrifuge technology and components. It included designs, components, and technical drawings for gas centrifuges, particularly P-1 and later P-2 models, used for enriching uranium. The designs were reportedly derived from those Khan had stole from from Dutch firm URENCO, when he was working in the Netherlands in the 1970s. https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-israel-strikes-iran-idf-targets-irgc-hq-basij-hq-ideological-hq-1750678884219/embed Iran got more than 2,000 centrifuge components and sub-assemblies, which helped build its secret pilot enrichment workshops in Kalaye Electrical Company, Tehran, among other places, in the 1989-1995 period. The Pakistani technology transfer is corroborated by the fact that centrifuges at Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment site looked similar to those at Pakistan’s Kahuta facility. Khan network gave Iran uranium enrichment technical know-how Khan’s network also reportedly gave Iran technical know-how, including blueprints and specifications for uranium enrichment. It is thought to have assisted in setting up uranium hexafluoride gas processes for Iran, that are critical for producing highly enriched uranium. HEU is a prerequisite for developing nuclear weapons. Did Pakistan give initial designs for nuclear weapons to Iran? According to multiple reports, Iranian scientists were trained in Pakistan on nuclear enrichment technology in 1988. It has been reported also that the Khan network gave Iran some blueprints for a Chinese nuclear warhead design. These reports are, however, inconclusive. But in 2018, when Israeli intel agency Mossad uncovered documents on the Amad Project, the secretive nuclear weapons programme of Iran in 1999–2003, it emerged that Pakistani designs may have been reworked in its warhead development. It is believed that the AQ Khan network provided assistance to Iran for high-explosive tests, detonator development for implosion-type bombs in this period. How did AQ Khan network operate? Centrifuge components and other nuclear materials were sent to Iran via intermediaries in countries like Dubai and Malaysia. It had been widely reported that a Sri Lankan, BSA Tahir, helped transfer P-2 centrifuge components to Iran for $3 million. Iran's payments for such transfers, running into millions of dollars, were made through foreign bank accounts. After its 2003 inspections, the UN nuclear agency IAEA reported that Iran’s P-1 model centrifuges were obtained from a 'foreign intermediary', identified as Khan, in 1989. Khan helped Iran cut time for enrichment capabilities The aid from the Khan network - both technology and expertise - possibly helped Iran cut its nuclear development timeline by a decade. It gave Iran a headstart in uranium enrichment at scale, in sites like Natanz. The Khan network was exposed in 2003, when Natanz facility - till then undeclared - was revealed. Iran agreed to name its suppliers, leading to global pressure on Pakistan, and the televised confession by AQ Khan in 2004 that led to his house arrest and eventual downfall from national hero to disgrace. Did Pakistani establishment help Khan in nuclear proliferation? In his confession and subsequent remarks, Khan said he acted own his own to sell nuclear technology to Iran as well as Libya, North Korea and possibly other countries. But at the time, allegations swirled that Pakistani officials such as Gen Mirza Aslam Beg either had approved, or were aware of, the Khan network's transfers to Iran. In subsequent years, Khan had alleged he faced pressure from the then Pakistani PM Benazir Bhutto's government, though these claims were rejected by officials. Interestingly, Iran's cooperation with IAEA at the time, and revelation of details of Khan's involvement in it, were seen by some in Pakistan as a betrayal of Pakistan's ‘Muslim brotherhood’ gesture. The episode caused a strain in Iran-Pakistan relations at the time. Could Iran have developed a nuclear programme without Khan network's help? Quite possibly so, because the Iranian nuclear programme was receiving help from several other countries, most notably Russia and China. But the AQ Khan network gave it much-needed acceleration.

The AQ Khan network's help to Iran's nuclear programme included helping the Islamic Republic build capabilities that could possibly be used for nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

When Pakistani AQ Khan network helped Iran's atomic programme and possibly helped its quest for a nuclear weapon

Iran on Monday said that its parliament was preparing a bill that could push the Islamic Republic towards exiting the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.This comes amid heightened tensions with Israel and one day after the UN nuclear watchdog's Board of Governors declared Tehran in breach of its obligations under the NPT. This was the first such declaration by the UN nuclear watchdog in nearly two decades. Iran’s government responded by denying the allegations, accusing the IAEA of political bias and reaffirming its commitment to NPT safeguards.<h2>What is Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty?</h2>The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which came into effect in 1970, was established to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote disarmament, and ensure the right of all signatories to access nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The treaty identifies nuclear-armed states as those that had manufactured and detonated a nuclear device before January 1, 1967—namely the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia. Under NPT, these five countries agreed to gradually reduce their nuclear arsenals. A total of 191 nations are party to the NPT. India, Pakistan and Israel are non-signatory to NPT.&nbsp;The NPT does not establish an outright ban on nuclear weapons for all of the countries that have joined it, nor does it include any detailed provisions stipulating how and when disarmament should take place &nbsp;The NPT includes an "escape clause" in Article X, allowing any state to withdraw if extraordinary events threaten its national interests, provided it gives three months' notice to other signatories and the UN Security Council. The treaty is reviewed every five years, with the next review conference scheduled for 2026.<h2>Iran and NPT</h2>Iran has been a non-nuclear-weapon signatory to the NPT since 1970. It maintains that its uranium enrichment program is for peaceful energy purposes, although Western countries and Israel suspect Iran of seeking nuclear weapons capability.&nbsp;&nbsp;Amid escalating tensions with Israel, Iranian officials have hinted at the possibility of withdrawing from the treaty, although no formal decision has been made. The government has acknowledged a parliamentary bill under discussion but clarified that any action will be coordinated with legislative authorities. &nbsp;"In light of recent developments, we will take an appropriate decision. Government has to enforce parliament bills but such a proposal is just being prepared and we will coordinate in the later stages with parliament," the ministry's spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said during a press conference.&nbsp;Notably, Iran has been under international nuclear sanctions since 2006 for failing to halt its enrichment program. A 2015 agreement (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) between Iran and six world powers, including the US, offered sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear activities. However, America withdrew from the deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump, reimposing sanctions. Since then, Iran has been accused of violating the NPT and the non-cooperation with the IAEA. A new deal was under negotiations between Iran and US, after Trump came to power this year, however, &nbsp;it is in jeopardy after Israel struck nuclear sites in Iran on June 15.&nbsp;

Notably, Iran has been under international nuclear sanctions since 2006 for failing to halt its enrichment program. A brief halt due to JCPOA came in 2015, but Iran's nuclear program was back on track from 2018

Iran on Monday said that its parliament was preparing a bill that could push the Islamic Republic towards exiting the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. This comes amid heightened tensions with Israel and one day after the UN nuclear watchdog's Board of Governors declared Tehran in breach of its obligations under the NPT. This was the first such declaration by the UN nuclear watchdog in nearly two decades. Iran’s government responded by denying the allegations, accusing the IAEA of political bias and reaffirming its commitment to NPT safeguards. What is Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty? The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which came into effect in 1970, was established to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, promote disarmament, and ensure the right of all signatories to access nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. The treaty identifies nuclear-armed states as those that had manufactured and detonated a nuclear device before January 1, 1967—namely the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, and Russia. Under NPT, these five countries agreed to gradually reduce their nuclear arsenals. A total of 191 nations are party to the NPT. India, Pakistan and Israel are non-signatory to NPT. The NPT does not establish an outright ban on nuclear weapons for all of the countries that have joined it, nor does it include any detailed provisions stipulating how and when disarmament should take place The NPT includes an "escape clause" in Article X, allowing any state to withdraw if extraordinary events threaten its national interests, provided it gives three months' notice to other signatories and the UN Security Council. The treaty is reviewed every five years, with the next review conference scheduled for 2026. Iran and NPT Iran has been a non-nuclear-weapon signatory to the NPT since 1970. It maintains that its uranium enrichment program is for peaceful energy purposes, although Western countries and Israel suspect Iran of seeking nuclear weapons capability. Amid escalating tensions with Israel, Iranian officials have hinted at the possibility of withdrawing from the treaty, although no formal decision has been made. The government has acknowledged a parliamentary bill under discussion but clarified that any action will be coordinated with legislative authorities. "In light of recent developments, we will take an appropriate decision. Government has to enforce parliament bills but such a proposal is just being prepared and we will coordinate in the later stages with parliament," the ministry's spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said during a press conference. Notably, Iran has been under international nuclear sanctions since 2006 for failing to halt its enrichment program. A 2015 agreement (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) between Iran and six world powers, including the US, offered sanctions relief in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear activities. However, America withdrew from the deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump, reimposing sanctions. Since then, Iran has been accused of violating the NPT and the non-cooperation with the IAEA. A new deal was under negotiations between Iran and US, after Trump came to power this year, however, it is in jeopardy after Israel struck nuclear sites in Iran on June 15.

Notably, Iran has been under international nuclear sanctions since 2006 for failing to halt its enrichment program. A brief halt due to JCPOA came in 2015, but Iran's nuclear program was back on track from 2018

What is nuclear non-proliferation treaty that Iran hints at exiting amid tensions with Israel? WION Explains

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today discussed India&#39;s NSG membership with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and also raised the issue of the confidential data leak of the Indian Scorpene Class submarines with French President Francois Hollande on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. 
 
On the second and final day of the summit in this east Chinese city, Modi met Erdogan and Hollande in separate &quot;pull-aside&quot; meetings. 
 
Prior to that, he met Britain&#39;s new Prime Minister Theresa May and held discussions on &quot;building opportunities&quot; in the aftermath of UK&#39;s decision to exit the European Union. 
 
In his meeting with Erdogan, the prime minister discussed the issue of India&#39;s membership of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), foreign affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters.&nbsp;The discussion with Erdogan on NSG was significant as Turkey was among the few countries - along with China - which had stalled India&#39;s bid to join the elite grouping at its plenary meeting in June in Seoul. 
 
China had then raised objection saying India was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).&nbsp;Turkey too raised its concern over the presence of supporters of dissident Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who it accuses of masterminding the failed July coup attempt, in India. 
 
Swarup said enhancing civil aviation with Turkey also figured during the discussions. 
 
In his bilateral meeting with Hollande, Modi raised the leak of sensitive data related to Scorpene Class submarines. &quot;This issue&nbsp;has also figured,&quot; Swarup said. 
 
Over 22,000 pages of secret data on the capabilities of six highly advanced submarines being built for the Indian Navy in Mumbai in collaboration with French defence company DCNS were leaked. The data leak reportedly happened overseas. 
 
With May, the prime minister underlined that even after UK&#39;s exit from the EU, &quot;Britain remains an important partner&quot; for India. 
&quot;May also referred to the recent passage of GST (bill) which would further boost trade and investment ties with the UK. She supported PM&#39;s reform agenda and the UK is keen to participate in Make in India, Smartcity and Skill India initiatives,&quot; he said. 
 
The two leaders discussed further enhancing of the defence partnership and Modi invited UK firms to India.&nbsp;They also talked about the challenges of terrorism, calling it &quot;the biggest threat and danger to the world with no boundaries,&quot; Swarup said. 
 
Modi and May also discussed enhancing counter-terrorism&nbsp;cooperation between India and the UK, the spokesperson said. 
 
May, UK&#39;s second woman prime minister after Margaret Thatcher, also underlined the importance Britain attaches to the Indian diaspora in the UK. 
 
Modi had congratulated May, who succeeded David Cameron after he quit following UK&#39;s decision to exit the 28-member world&#39;s largest single market EU, on her assumption of the new responsibility on July 27 and had affirmed India&#39;s commitment to further strengthen the strategic bilateral partnership.&nbsp;In his final bilateral meeting, Modi held talks with Argentine President Mauricio Macri. 
 
Modi was accompanied by India&#39;s national security advisor Ajit Doval and foreign secretary S Jaishankar during the brief meeting with the French president. 
 
Modi yesterday briefly interacted with US President Barack Obama and had a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. 
He also had separate meetings with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Saudi deputy crown prince Mohammad bin Salman yesterday. 
 
(PTI)

Modi also met Britain's PM May during the G20 summit and underlined that 'Britain remains an important partner' for India even after Brexit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today discussed India's NSG membership with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and also raised the issue of the confidential data leak of the Indian Scorpene Class submarines with French President Francois Hollande on the sidelines of the G20 Summit. On the second and final day of the summit in this east Chinese city, Modi met Erdogan and Hollande in separate "pull-aside" meetings. Prior to that, he met Britain's new Prime Minister Theresa May and held discussions on "building opportunities" in the aftermath of UK's decision to exit the European Union. In his meeting with Erdogan, the prime minister discussed the issue of India's membership of the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), foreign affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup told reporters. The discussion with Erdogan on NSG was significant as Turkey was among the few countries - along with China - which had stalled India's bid to join the elite grouping at its plenary meeting in June in Seoul. China had then raised objection saying India was not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Turkey too raised its concern over the presence of supporters of dissident Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who it accuses of masterminding the failed July coup attempt, in India. Swarup said enhancing civil aviation with Turkey also figured during the discussions. In his bilateral meeting with Hollande, Modi raised the leak of sensitive data related to Scorpene Class submarines. "This issue has also figured," Swarup said. Over 22,000 pages of secret data on the capabilities of six highly advanced submarines being built for the Indian Navy in Mumbai in collaboration with French defence company DCNS were leaked. The data leak reportedly happened overseas. With May, the prime minister underlined that even after UK's exit from the EU, "Britain remains an important partner" for India. "May also referred to the recent passage of GST (bill) which would further boost trade and investment ties with the UK. She supported PM's reform agenda and the UK is keen to participate in Make in India, Smartcity and Skill India initiatives," he said. The two leaders discussed further enhancing of the defence partnership and Modi invited UK firms to India. They also talked about the challenges of terrorism, calling it "the biggest threat and danger to the world with no boundaries," Swarup said. Modi and May also discussed enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation between India and the UK, the spokesperson said. May, UK's second woman prime minister after Margaret Thatcher, also underlined the importance Britain attaches to the Indian diaspora in the UK. Modi had congratulated May, who succeeded David Cameron after he quit following UK's decision to exit the 28-member world's largest single market EU, on her assumption of the new responsibility on July 27 and had affirmed India's commitment to further strengthen the strategic bilateral partnership. In his final bilateral meeting, Modi held talks with Argentine President Mauricio Macri. Modi was accompanied by India's national security advisor Ajit Doval and foreign secretary S Jaishankar during the brief meeting with the French president. Modi yesterday briefly interacted with US President Barack Obama and had a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He also had separate meetings with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Saudi deputy crown prince Mohammad bin Salman yesterday. (PTI)

Indian PM Modi raises submarine leak with Hollande, NSG bid with Erdogan

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Iran says it is functioning as a non-NPT state, keeps door open on treaty exit

Why these three countries never signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty?

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