Islamic Republic of Iran: Notification of Intent to Withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

In the name of God, the most Compassionate, the most Merciful,

The Islamic Republic of Iran, exercising its sovereign rights under Article X, paragraph 1, of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), hereby notifies all Parties to the Treaty and the United Nations Security Council of its intent to withdraw from the NPT, effective three months from this date, due to extraordinary events related to the Treaty’s subject matter that have gravely undermined its national security and sovereign rights. This decision, made with deep regret, is a direct response to unprovoked aggressions by Israel and the United States, whose actions, contrary to international law, have left Iran with no choice but to consider withdrawal to protect its people and sovereignty. Iran appeals to the international community for support in restoring justice and upholding the principles of the NPT.

Iran’s Commitment to Peaceful Nuclear Use and Global Stability

Iran, a nation that has not initiated military aggression against any state for over two centuries, signed the NPT in 1968 and ratified it in 1970 with a steadfast commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear technology, as enshrined in Article IV, which affirms the inalienable right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. This commitment is further reinforced by a religious fatwa issued by the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declaring nuclear weapons un-Islamic, reflecting Iran’s moral and legal dedication to non-proliferation. Iran has consistently cooperated with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), subjecting its nuclear program to rigorous inspections to verify its peaceful nature, despite occasional disputes driven by external political pressures. As a responsible member of the international community, Iran has upheld its NPT obligations in good faith, seeking only to exercise its rights while contributing to global peace and stability.

Extraordinary Events Undermining Iran’s Security and Rights

The following extraordinary events, directly related to the NPT’s subject matter, have critically undermined Iran’s national security and sovereign rights:

1. Israel’s Unlawful Aggressions and Non-Compliance with International Norms: Israel, a non-signatory to the NPT with an undeclared nuclear arsenal, launched unprovoked attacks on Iran’s safeguarded nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan on June 13, 2025, as confirmed by IAEA assessments. Israel’s refusal to join the NPT, submit to IAEA inspections, or adhere to UN Security Council resolutions, such as Resolution 242 (1967) on the occupied Palestinian territories, and the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) 2024 rulings mandating humanitarian aid access and cessation of unlawful settlements, reflects a pattern of disregard for international law. These actions, coupled with ongoing violations against the Palestinian people, threaten regional stability and directly imperil Iran’s security as an NPT-compliant state.

2. United States’ Violations of International Law: On June 22, 2025, the United States, an NPT nuclear-weapon state, conducted unprovoked strikes on the same Iranian nuclear facilities, violating Iran’s rights under NPT Article IV and the UN Charter’s Article 2(4), which prohibits the use of force. The U.S.’s continued military support for Israel, despite the latter’s non-compliance with international obligations, perpetuates a double standard within the NPT framework, undermining Iran’s security and the treaty’s credibility.

These acts of aggression by two states operating outside the bounds of international law expose Iran to unjust threats, targeting its peaceful nuclear program and violating its sovereignty. Iran, a nation committed to peace, now faces existential challenges due to the failure of the international community to restrain these rogue actions.

Conditions for Reconsidering Withdrawal and Appeal for Support

In a spirit of goodwill and dedication to global peace, Iran conditions its withdrawal on the international community’s response to the following requests, which seek to restore justice and ensure regional stability within the three-month notice period:

1. Pact of Non-Aggression: Israel and the United States should commit to a legally binding pact of non-aggression with Iran, guaranteeing no further military actions against its territory, population, or infrastructure, in line with UN Charter Article 2(4).
2. Israel’s Accession to the NPT and IAEA Oversight: Israel should sign and ratify the NPT as a non-nuclear-weapon state and submit its nuclear facilities to comprehensive IAEA safeguards, promoting transparency and equity in the non-proliferation regime.
3. Israel’s Adherence to UN and ICJ Obligations: Israel should comply with all relevant UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, as well as the ICJ’s 2024 rulings, by ensuring unimpeded humanitarian aid to Gaza, halting unlawful settlement activities, and upholding the rights and welfare of the Palestinian people.
4. Accountability through ICC Membership: Israel and the United States should sign and ratify the Rome Statute, joining the International Criminal Court (ICC) to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, including those impacting Iran and the Palestinian people.
5. U.S. Alignment with International Law: The United States should enact policies prohibiting military aid to states that violate UN resolutions and ICJ rulings, thereby supporting a rules-based international order and ceasing actions that destabilize the region.

Should meaningful progress be made toward these requests within the stipulated period, Iran is prepared to reconsider its withdrawal, reflecting its deep commitment to constructive dialogue and a just international order. In the absence of such progress, Iran may have no alternative but to exercise its sovereign right to withdraw from the NPT to safeguard its security and rights against ongoing aggression.

Appeal to the International Community

Iran earnestly calls upon all NPT Parties, the United Nations, the IAEA, and the broader international community to condemn the unlawful attacks by Israel and the United States, address the imbalances in the non-proliferation regime, and support Iran’s pursuit of justice. The failure to counter such rogue actions risks undermining the NPT’s integrity and eroding global peace and security. Iran, as a peaceful nation under attack, seeks the solidarity of nations committed to sovereignty, equality, and the rule of law.

Iran remains fully open to diplomatic efforts, including through ongoing mediation by impartial parties, to resolve these grievances and prevent further escalation. This notification is a plea for fairness and accountability, reflecting Iran’s resolve to protect its people and uphold its rights under international law.

The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Disclaimer

This document is a hypothetical scenario and a suggested diplomatic strategy for the Islamic Republic of Iran to address the geopolitical crisis following the unprovoked attacks on its nuclear facilities by Israel and the United States in June 2025. It is not an official statement or policy of Iran but an analytical exercise to demonstrate how Iran, a nation that has not initiated military aggression for over 200 years, could leverage Article X of the NPT to seek justice and international support against rogue state actions. In contrast to the repeated military interventions by Israel and the United States, Iran’s peaceful record underscores its commitment to sovereignty, regional stability, and a rules-based global order. This suggestion aims to promote dialogue and de-escalation through adherence to international law.