Explained | What is the Non-Proliferation Treaty?

With the region on the edge, following bombing of each other by Israel and Iran, the NPT has come into focus.

With Israel and Iran bombing each other, political tension in the region is escalating. There are reports that Iran Parliament is preparing a bill that could push Tehran toward exiting the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Now that brings us to the vexed question as to what the Non-Proliferation Treaty really is.

As per official documents, the NPT is the central part of global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, to promote co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and to further the goal of nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament

The treaty came into force in 1970. At present 91 nations are part of NPT.

The Three Pillars

Non-Proliferation: Ensuring that Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) do not transfer nuclear weapons to Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS), further stating that NNWS are not to acquire or develop any nuclear weapons.

Disarmament: This treaty asserts the harmonious negotiation towards nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament under strict international control.

Peaceful use: The treaty is seen as an essential foundation in the pursuit of cooperation and of nonviolent use of nuclear energy.

Salient features

As the agenda is non-proliferation and to ensure compliance, the Treaty establishes a safeguards system in order to build confidence between State parties. Safeguards are under the responsibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). They conduct inspections to verify that all states abide by the obligations of the Treaty.

The Treaty operations are reviewed every five years. In 1995, the Review and Extended Conference called for the establishment of a Middle East Zone free of nuclear weapons. The resolution was implemented after a successful 2010 conference.

In the subsequent conferences resolutions of the conference have been unable to come to a consensus leading to a setback for the NPT.

Currently Preparations for the April 2026 Review conference are underway in three different stages. The purpose of the first two Preparatory Committee sessions is to consider principles, objectives and ways in order to promote the full implementation of the Treaty, as well as its universality. The third session is specifically mandated to make every effort to produce a consensus report containing recommendations to the Review Conference.

Present scenario

Israel launched large-scale airstrikes on Iranian territory, targeting nuclear facilities and military sites, citing intelligence that Iran was advancing toward developing nuclear weapons. Iran has claimed their nuclear programme to be peaceful. The IAEA has declared that Iran is in violation of NPT obligations.

(With Reuters inputs)