NUCLEAR NONPROLIFERATION TREATY

Current Context : Iran’s parliament began drafting legislation that could see it withdraw from the Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty (NPT), following a critical International Atomic Energy Agency report and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities.

About NonProliferation Treaty (NPT)

• Entry into Force: 1970, under United Nations auspices, to curb spread of nuclear weapons.

 Key Obligations:

• NonNuclearWeapon States: No acquisition or development of nuclear arsenals.
• NuclearWeapon States: Gradual disarmament and no transfer of weapons or technology.
• All Parties: Right to peaceful nuclear energy under IAEA safeguards.
• Membership: 191 States Parties; nonsignatories include India, Pakistan, Israel; North Korea withdrew in 2003.
• Enforcement: IAEA monitors compliance; UN Security Council can impose sanctions for violations.