Iran Will Not Leave the NPT if Reciprocity is Fair

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - Iran desires a fair nuclear cooperation. If this materializes, Iran will not withdraw from the disarmament and non-proliferation agreement or the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Iran seeks treatment similar to that of other countries.

This was conveyed by the Iranian Ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, during a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday (17/6/2025). He provided a media briefing on the developments of the conflict between Iran and Israel.

The conflict began when Israel attacked Iran on Friday (14/6/2025). Iran then retaliated against Israel's attack. Both countries continue to exchange fire using missiles and bombs. The conflict erupted amid plans for the sixth round of negotiations between Iran and the United States regarding nuclear issues.

Initially, the talks were planned to take place in Muscat, Oman on Sunday (16/6/2025). Since Iran is at war with Israel, the talks were canceled.

Tehran later announced its intention to withdraw from the NPT. Iran is one of 190 countries that ratified the treaty.

"As a state party to the NPT, Iran is entitled to the facilitation of services from the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). However, the reality is quite the opposite. We are beginning to think that perhaps there is no benefit in joining the NPT," said Boroujerdi.

He highlighted that Iran has complied with all additional protocols as recommended by the NPT. At the same time, there has been no strong reprimand directed at Israel. Israel has not ratified the NPT. They have neither acknowledged nor denied possessing nuclear weapons.

However, various reports, including one by the independent Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), say Israel has at least 90 nuclear warheads. The NTI also says Israel has the capability to manufacture 300 nuclear warheads.

In September 1979, the Vela Incident occurred, which was a flash of light in the atmosphere above the Prince Edward Islands in South Africa. Various reports speculate that the explosion was the result of a secret nuclear weapons test conducted by South Africa in collaboration with Israel. No accountability has been demanded from Israel.

"For this reason, we want the NPT to operate in both directions. The IAEA must act fairly. If this is realized, Iran will certainly not withdraw from the NPT," said Boroujerdi.

Regarding the ongoing conflict, Boroujerdi emphasized that Iran is in a position of self-defense. As long as Israel attacks, Iran will defend itself and retaliate.

Iran's retaliatory attacks are also proportional. Israel strikes military bases, and Iran does the same. Similarly, there are responses directed at economic infrastructure. However, Tehran accuses Israel of violating international regulations by attacking civilian areas and nuclear infrastructure.

The death toll continues to rise, with half of the victims being civilians. The Iranian government reported that there are 224 fatalities due to the Israeli attacks. Among them, 70 are women and children. In Israel, according to Middle East Eye, the death toll stands at ten.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who is in Canada to attend the G7 summit of the world's seven wealthiest nations, has called for a ceasefire. Countries in the Middle East are urging Iran to prioritize brotherhood and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.

They are concerned that the conflict may spread to other areas in the Middle East. The region is already struggling to bear the burden of the war in Gaza and now Iran. In addition, there is still the uncontrolled situation of the Houthis in Yemen.

Iran is considering closing the Strait of Hormuz between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. This waterway is a vital artery for global energy. At least one-fifth of the world's oil and gas is transported through this route. If the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted, oil prices will soar.

U.S. President Donald Trump left the G7 summit earlier than expected. Several leaders of G7 member countries urged the U.S. to engage in dialogue with Israel to cease its attacks on Iran. The justification for Israel's attacks on Iran is also considered to lack a basis in international law. The rationale provided is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. According to the United Nations Charter, a country that is attacked is permitted to defend itself in a measured manner.

In this regard, Trump stated that the United States continues to maintain communication with Iran. Washington is also receiving input from various countries to engage in diplomacy to halt the conflict.

However, Tel Aviv has a different narrative. "Trump did not ask us to stop," Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was quoted as saying by the Wall Street Journal.

Smotrich is an extreme right-wing politician who desires the complete occupation of Israel in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The party he is affiliated with is an important coalition partner for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The statement seemingly reaffirms the actual position of the United States. When Israel attacked Iran, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared to distance himself from the situation. Washington stated that they were unaware of the plan.

However, many things that were later shown were different. Trump, although not explicitly stating support for the attack, sent military aid to Israel. He also issued an ultimatum to the residents of Tehran to evacuate.

Middle East issue observer at Chatham House, Sanam Vakil, stated that there is no other option for Israel and Iran but to negotiate. Israel will become increasingly isolated if it insists on an agenda of attacking Iran. Such an attack could also exacerbate extremist views in Iran, potentially leading to the development of nuclear weapons.

Israel's tactics of continuous attacks to weaken Iran at the negotiating table are questioned by experts. In the Gaza Strip, these tactics have failed to force Hamas to capitulate. (AFP)