Iran unmasks America: Tehran eyes exit from Nuclear Treaty, labeling it a spying tool and "US infantry"

Iran is currently considering its withdrawal from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), arguing that membership has provided no benefits for the country's pursuit of peaceful nuclear energy. The NPT’s primary objective was intended to support nations in the production and utilization of peaceful nuclear technology. However, Tehran points out that countries like Israel have never joined the treaty, and no pressure is exerted by major military powers to force their accession. Despite Iran's full participation, the country states that its presence in the NPT and other agreements, such as the JCPOA, has yielded no practical advantages.

Exploitation for espionage

Iran had previously accepted both the Additional Protocol and measures beyond its requirements to demonstrate transparency and allow oversight of its nuclear facilities. Simultaneously, the country accuses the US and Israel of exploiting information from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for espionage and repeated sabotage of peaceful nuclear sites. More recently, Rafael Grossi, Director of the IAEA, has been accused of operating under the influence of the US and Israel, allegedly stating that an airstrike could fully destroy Iran's nuclear infrastructure. This statement was deemed "extremely provocative" by Iran and has bolstered domestic demands for an NPT exit.

At Iran's discretion

The Iranian government emphasizes that the nation intends to utilize peaceful nuclear power and sees no reason to remain in a treaty that is allegedly used as a spying tool to undermine Iranian rights. Previously, David Albright, a prominent American nuclear expert, reportedly told the US Congress that IAEA inspectors effectively function as the "infantry of the US."

Grossi (IAEA) aligns with US and Israeli rhetoric

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) estimates that Iran may possess approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, stated Rafael Grossi, the agency's Director General and candidate for UN Secretary-General, in an interview with Foreign Policy. "According to the latest data, we are talking about roughly 440 kg of 60% enriched uranium and an even larger stockpile of material enriched to 20% and 5% levels. Therefore, a significant nuclear material inventory exists there," he noted.

Rafael Grossi pointed out that IAEA inspectors currently lack access to Iran’s nuclear facilities. "This is why, among other reasons, it is so vital to restore this access. Furthermore, the nuclear materials are still there," the agency director emphasized. "We must return to verify that they have not been diverted or hidden elsewhere," Grossi added. According to the IAEA, uranium must be enriched to 90% for weapons production, while approximately 42 kg of 60% enriched uranium is "theoretically sufficient" to create a single nuclear weapon. The interview was conducted on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference held on February 13-15.

The US operation targeting the Iranian nuclear program

It is recalled that on the night of June 13, 2025, Israel launched a military operation against Iran, with the Islamic Republic responding in kind. The United States entered the conflict on June 22, striking Iranian nuclear installations in the Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow regions. The following day, Iran attacked the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American airbase in the Middle East. Following these events, US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran had agreed to a ceasefire, which took effect on June 24.

In response to the IAEA’s failure to condemn the American and Israeli strikes, Iran severed all interaction with the agency in June. Cooperation only resumed on September 9, following a new agreement signed in Cairo. However, on November 20, Iran reacted to the adoption of another IAEA resolution against Tehran—which demanded full inspector access to the Islamic Republic's nuclear sites—by submitting a notice to terminate the Cairo agreement.

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