Tehran: Iran has announced its intention to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as a reaction to international sanctions, according to Shahriar Heidari, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee. Heidari emphasized that Iran will not cease its nuclear activities, which he described as essential for the nation.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Heidari expressed that the Iranian nuclear program remains a vital component of the country’s agenda. He noted that under the constraints imposed by Western sanctions, Iran perceives a disadvantage if it does not take measures to protect its interests. Heidari stated that Iran has prepared a set of strategies to counteract these international sanctions, with withdrawing from the NPT being the foremost action. He asserted Iran’s entitlement to take such measures.

In his statements, Heidari also warned that if the snapback mechanism against Iran is activated, it would result in the suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He reiterated that although Iran does not plan to develop nuclear weapons, as per the Supreme Leader’s fatwa, the nation possesses the required scientific expertise to do so. He emphasized Iran’s preference for the peaceful utilization of nuclear technology but stated that increased Western pressures or new aggressions could compel Iran to adopt all necessary defensive measures.

Furthermore, Heidari indicated that one of Iran’s approaches to tackling Western sanctions includes seeking international partnerships, particularly with powerful nations like China and Russia.

The situation is unfolding against a backdrop of Iran’s previous warnings that any resumption of sanctions would nullify the agreement reached with the IAEA in September. This agreement had established a framework for collaboration following US and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, aligned with Iranian domestic legislation that reflects skepticism towards the agency.

The European Troika-comprising the United Kingdom, France, and Germany-had informed the UN Security Council on August 28 about the initiation of the snapback mechanism for international sanctions against Iran, which had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. The UN Security Council subsequently rejected a draft resolution on September 19 against the resumption of sanctions, leading to the expected reinstatement of restrictions after September 27.