Iran's Rezaei Warns IAEA Politicization Could Trigger NPT Withdrawals

TEHRAN, Sept. 10 (AP) — Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, issued a stark warning on Wednesday that politically motivated actions by the International Atomic Energy Agency could compel nations to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Speaking in Tehran, Rezaei argued that the IAEA's recent conduct has shifted from technical oversight to disruptive political maneuvering, threatening the stability of the global non-proliferation regime.

Rezaei stated that if the Vienna-based agency continues to prioritize political agendas over its statutory mandate, it risks alienating member states. He emphasized that such actions would not only damage Iran's relationship with the body but could encourage other countries to reconsider their commitments under the treaty. The warning comes amid a period of heightened tension between Tehran and Western powers regarding Iran's nuclear program and the scope of international inspections.

The secretary of the Supreme National Security Council framed the potential exodus from the NPT as a direct consequence of what he described as biased enforcement mechanisms. He asserted that the integrity of the treaty relies on the impartiality of its monitoring body, suggesting that the current trajectory undermines the trust necessary for global nuclear security. Rezaei did not specify which nations might follow Iran's lead but indicated that the erosion of confidence in the IAEA creates a precedent for broader non-compliance.

The IAEA has consistently maintained that its operations are strictly technical and based on verified data, rejecting accusations of politicization. Agency officials have repeatedly called for full transparency from Iran to ensure compliance with safeguards agreements. In recent months, the agency has reported discrepancies in Iranian nuclear activities, prompting demands for expanded access to facilities. Tehran has historically argued that these demands exceed the scope of its legal obligations and are driven by external political pressure rather than safety concerns.

The diplomatic standoff highlights a deepening rift between Iran and the international community over the interpretation of non-proliferation rules. While the IAEA insists that its findings are objective, Iranian leadership contends that the agency is being used as an instrument to isolate Tehran. This divergence in perspective complicates ongoing efforts to resolve nuclear disputes through dialogue.

As the debate intensifies, questions remain regarding the immediate future of Iran's engagement with the IAEA and the broader implications for the NPT. It is unclear whether other member states will echo Rezaei's concerns or if the warning serves primarily as a negotiating tactic. The situation continues to evolve as diplomats attempt to bridge the gap between technical verification requirements and political sensitivities. Observers are watching closely to see if the rhetoric translates into concrete policy shifts that could alter the landscape of global nuclear governance.