Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and IAEA Safeguards
The NPT is the cornerstone of international nuclear non-proliferation architecture, and Iran's compliance with IAEA obligations is central to the dispute.
- NPT entered into force on 5 March 1970. As of 2024, 191 states are party; India, Pakistan, Israel are non-signatories; North Korea withdrew in 2003.
- NPT has three pillars: non-proliferation, disarmament, and peaceful use of nuclear energy.
- Article II of the NPT prohibits non-nuclear weapon states (NNWS) from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran, as an NNWS party to the NPT, is bound by this.
- Article III of the NPT requires NNWS to accept IAEA comprehensive safeguards. Iran signed its comprehensive safeguards agreement in 1974.
- The IAEA Board of Governors found Iran in non-compliance with its safeguards agreement in September 2005, triggering UN Security Council resolutions.
- The Additional Protocol (AP) is a supplementary agreement to comprehensive safeguards, providing inspectors broader access; Iran implemented the AP under the JCPOA but suspended it after the US withdrawal.
- IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has repeatedly stated Iran's nuclear programme has "no credible civilian explanation" at current enrichment levels.
● Tracked since February 17, 2026 · last seen July 24, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
Science & Technology
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)
International Relations
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
International Relations
Uranium Enrichment
International Relations
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Regional Security Architecture
International Relations
Strait of Hormuz
Polity & Governance
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