Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and Iran's Nuclear Programme
The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), in force since 1970, is the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime. It recognizes five Nuclear Weapons States (NWS: US, Russia, UK, France, China) and prohibits all other signatories from developing nuclear weapons, while committing NWS to eventual disarmament and allowing all states to pursue peaceful nuclear energy under IAEA safeguards. Iran, a signatory since 1970, was found by the IAEA to be in non-compliance with its safeguards obligations. The JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, 2015) — between Iran and the P5+1 — attempted to limit Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, but the US withdrew in 2018 and Iran subsequently escalated uranium enrichment.
- NPT (1968, in force 1970): Three pillars — non-proliferation, disarmament, peaceful use of nuclear energy.
- Five NPT Nuclear Weapons States: US, Russia, UK, France, China.
- Non-NPT nuclear states: India, Pakistan, Israel (never signed); North Korea (withdrew 2003).
- Iran: NPT signatory since 1970; IAEA found in non-compliance with safeguards.
- JCPOA (2015): Iran agreed to limit uranium enrichment and allow IAEA inspections; P5+1 lifted sanctions.
- US withdrawal from JCPOA (2018); Iran progressively violated limits thereafter.
- Iran enriched uranium to 60% purity — near weapons-grade (90% purity).
- NPT Review Conferences held every 5 years; 2026 review is due.
● Tracked since February 28, 2026 · last seen April 02, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes