SAEDNEWS: Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliamentary security commission, warned that withdrawal from the NPT remains one of Tehran’s options if Europeans trigger the snapback mechanism.
Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of Iran’s Parliament, has underscored Tehran’s firm stance on protecting its nuclear rights, warning that exiting the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is among Iran’s options if the snapback mechanism is activated.
Speaking after an emergency parliamentary session with the participation of the Foreign Minister, Azizi highlighted ongoing close cooperation between the Parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the past year. Numerous meetings have focused on ensuring that Iran’s international agreements, including the recent deal with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), comply with parliamentary legislation.
He recalled that during the 12-day imposed war, Parliament passed a law requiring the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA, which was approved by the Guardian Council. Lawmakers raised concerns about whether the recent agreement aligns with this legislation. Azizi stressed that while clarifications have been provided, Parliament will continue to review the agreement meticulously, supporting it only if it fully respects Iranian law.
Azizi also emphasized Iran’s broader strategic options: “Certainly, one of Tehran’s options is to withdraw from the NPT if the snapback mechanism is activated. But this is not our only option — Iran has many capacities, each of which will be used at the right time. If Europeans and the IAEA fulfill their commitments, the snapback issue will be off the table.”
He added that Iran is prepared to respond decisively if Europe reneges on its promises or if the IAEA fails to uphold its obligations.
The snapback mechanism, introduced under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, allows participants of the 2015 JCPOA to reimpose previous UN sanctions. Tehran argues that Europe lacks the legal or moral standing to trigger it, while Washington forfeited its rights after leaving the JCPOA in 2018. Iran frames its potential NPT withdrawal as a defensive measure to safeguard its sovereignty and ensure the West cannot misuse international agreements to block Iran’s legitimate nuclear rights.
Azizi concluded that continued Parliament-government coordination is vital for safeguarding national interests, ensuring Iran’s nuclear rights, and protecting the country from political exploitation of international frameworks.
