US strikes give Iran legal right to exit nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, says Iranian lawmaker
With the United States struck three key nuclear facilities in Iran on Saturday night, the latter's Parliament Foreign Policy Committee Head Abbas Golroo on Sunday cited Article 10 and said Iran has the legal right to withdraw from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) .
According to the details, Article 10 states that an NPT member has "the right to withdraw from the Treaty if it decides that extraordinary events have jeopardized the supreme interests of its country."
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NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
Exclusive: Atomic Agency Veteran Warns of Global Nuclear Risk After US Attack On Iran
New Delhi: In a significant escalation of geopolitical tensions, the US launched a targeted military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, raising global concerns about the potential fallout and future implications. The attack, which focused on three key sites at Natanz, Isfahan and most importantly the Fordow enrichment facility, has prompted widespread speculation about the extent of the damage and the possibility of radiation leaks affecting nearby populations and neighbouring countries. In an exclusive interview to NDTV, Peter Rickwood, former press officer of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna and founder of Atomic Reporters, shared his insights on the situation. Mr Rickwood emphasised that the full impact of the attack would take time to assess, particularly due to the underground nature of the facilities. He noted that without direct inspections of the vaults and centrifuge areas, it would be difficult to determine the actual damage. Importantly, Mr Rickwood pointed out that Iran had recently declared the removal of nuclear material from Fordow and other enrichment sites, raising questions about their current location and status. Mr Rickwood expressed concern over the IAEA's ability to perform its verification duties in a conflict zone. The absence of inspectors means there is no way to confirm whether the nuclear material is being further enriched, potentially to weapons-grade levels. This uncertainty adds to the complexity of the situation and underscores the need for transparency and international oversight. Seven B-2 Spirit bombers were used to attack Fordow nuclear enrichment site in Iran Satellite images of the attack have surfaced, but Mr Rickwood cautioned that these only reveal surface-level damage. He likened the scenario to a mine disaster, where the true extent of destruction lies beneath the surface. While acknowledging the military precision of the operation, he questioned whether the bombs penetrated deep enough to destroy the enrichment equipment and whether any of it had been removed prior to the strike. The implications of the attack extend beyond immediate physical damage. Iran's status as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is now under scrutiny. Mr Rickwood warned that Iran might consider withdrawing from the NPT, following the precedent set by North Korea in 2003. Such a move would eliminate the legal framework for inspecting Iran's nuclear facilities, further reducing global visibility into its nuclear activities. Mr Rickwood has a sombre reflection on the broader consequences of the attack. He expressed fear that the world is entering a highly risky and vulnerable phase, where diplomatic channels are strained and the potential for nuclear proliferation is heightened. The situation calls for careful monitoring, renewed diplomatic efforts, and a recommitment to international treaties that promote peace and security. Mr Rickwood stressed on the urgent need for global cooperation and vigilance in the face of escalating nuclear tensions. As the international community grapples with the aftermath of the attack, the role of watchdog organisations like the IAEA becomes even more critical in ensuring accountability and preventing further destabilisation.
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- New Indian Express
US strikes on Iran mark a dangerous turning point for the region and the world: Here's why
NEW DELHI: The American airstrikes targeting Natanz, Isfahan, and the fortified Fordow facility in Iran represent a dramatic escalation in the region's tensions. This could reshape the geopolitical landscape of West Asia, with wide-ranging consequences for diplomacy, regional stability, global oil markets, and India's energy security. What Are Iran's Options Now? Iran has several possible responses, each fraught with risk: Diplomatic De-escalation Iran could return to negotiations, potentially under the framework of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which the Trump administration previously abandoned. However, this route faces resistance from Iran's hardliners, who view the U.S. strikes as a humiliation and a betrayal of diplomacy. Tehran could also withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Closure of the Strait of Hormuz Iran's most potent non-military leverage is the Strait of Hormuz—a narrow maritime chokepoint through which over 20 million barrels of oil and a large volume of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass daily. Iranian parliament has backed the proposal to close the strait while the final decision is yet to be made by Iran's top security body. The closure of Hormuz could trigger an oil price surge and widespread economic ripple effects. But this move would also harm Iran. Its own oil exports pass through Hormuz, and a closure would likely provoke military responses from Gulf Arab states and lead to further Western sanctions. Still, the threat alone could cause panic in energy markets. Military Counterstrike A more dangerous path is retaliation. Iran's military and political leadership have warned of striking U.S. military bases and naval assets in the region. Hossein Shariatmadari, editor of the hardline Kayhan newspaper, stated ominously: 'It is now our turn.' Iran possesses short-range ballistic missiles, drones, and naval assets that could be used in asymmetric attacks. The U.S., anticipating a reaction, has dispersed its forces and bolstered regional air defenses.
India.com
2 hours ago
- India.com
Not US, NATO, Israel, G7, BRICS, or EU; Iran is most scared of THIS group due to..., the group consists...
(File) Israel-Iran war: Iran has shown unprecedented resilience despite being pummeled by US-backed Israel, and now the US itself, in the ongoing Israel-Iran war. Tehran has proven it does not fear any country or grouping, including the United States, Israel, G7, European Union, or NATO. However, there is one important grouping that impacts Iran's decisions, at least to some extent, the OPEC+, which includes Iran and 22 other crude oil-producing nations, most of them located in the Middle East. According to estimates, OPEC+ produces more than half of the world's total oil crude oil, with Iran being one of the largest oil-producing countries in the group. What is OPEC+ and how it influences Iran? Unlike the EU, NATO, BRICS, or G7, OPEC+ is not political, diplomatic or military alliance, but an economic grouping of major oil-producing nations, especially the oil-rich Gulf states of the Middle East. OPEC+ produces more than half of the world's crude oil, and essentially controls global oil prices, making it a powerful entity that can put pressure on nations by weaponizing oil prices. Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), are the arguably the most influential countries in the OPEC+. Other oil-producing nations which are part of the group include Iraq, Kuwait, Venezuela, Nigeria, Libya, Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Malaysia, South Sudan, Sudan and Oman. All these nations have vast reserves of oil and natural gas worth billions, if not trillions of dollars, and oil-production is a major contributor to their economies. How much oil is produced by Iran? Iran's daily oil production was an estimated 2.5 million barrels in March 2023, but this has increased to 3.3 million barrels, as per a recent Reuters report. More importantly, Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, through which more than half of the global supply of oil is shipped. Iran can trigger a global crisis if it decides to blockade this strategic shipping lane. Can the OPEC+ stop the Israel-Iran war? While Iran is not 'scared' of any country or alliance, the OPEC+ countries, most of whom have assured their tacit support to Tehran in the Israel-Iran war, hold some influence on the decisions made by the Islamic Republic. Experts believe Iran would not brush aside any mediation efforts or advice, and can play a key role in resolving the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. Among non-OPEC countries, Iran also has the support of Russia, China, and Pakistan in the current conflict. Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin told OPEC+ that the Israel-Iran is the major reason behind rising crude oil prices, while Iraq's Deputy PM warned that crude oil price would soon breach $200 per barrel if the war continues. The OPEC+ is not a diplomatic or political grouping, but has some power to act as a mediator to help de-escalate the current tensions between Iran and Israel. Putin recently talked about mediating between the two enemy nations, while several other countries have also made similar statements.
