Think Twice before Withdrawal
Those who defend Iran’s withdrawal from the Non-Proliferation Treaty should ask themselves if this could serve our national interests. By Majid Tafreshi
Since Iran’s nuclear program became an issue in the international politics, every now and then we hear a political figure, observer or pro-Iran activist threatening to or suggesting withdrawal from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). These people reason that with the United States and European Union’s increasing pressure, IAEA’s reports and UN Security Council resolutions, leaving NPT should be considered as a serious option in this war of attrition. Such voices are heard again with new nuclear developments, particularly from Akbar E’temad, the first head of Iranian Organization of Atomic Energy (during the Pahlavi regime) and some Iranian politicians inside the country.
During the recent years, along with undeniable scientific and political achievements of our peaceful nuclear program, our country has been targeted by several resolutions issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency and United Nations. Meanwhile, the United States has shifted its stance from firm opposition to Iran’s –even peaceful- nuclear activities when Bush was in White House and Collin Power served as his secretary of state, to acknowledging Iran’s full entitlement to advance its nuclear program (including uranium enrichment) under the supervision of IAEA. However, with multiple resolutions against Iran, the situation moves towards US favorite state, that is, a global consensus against Iran.
We should know that Iran’s withdrawal from NPT will serve us no good. It would only add to our problems and please the enemies to our country’s interests. A number of diplomats and observers regard it as the best reaction to warnings about further resolutions and sanctions and see it as a sign to show Iran’s determination in this political and propaganda battle. However, in my opinion it is a risky gamble that may takes us to murky waters. Abandoning NPT, even when masqueraded as a rational move, will pave the way for solidarity among the international community (or at least global powers) against Iran.
It seems that Russia and China’s vote in favor of the latest IAEA resolution against Iran’s nuclear program (the first in four years) should alert our statesmen and encourage them to tilt the balance in their favor by changing tactics and strategies.
Not being a member of NPT would be of no concern if Iran had not signed it from the first day, just as Israel, Pakistan and India did. At the current circumstances, leaving the treaty would only imply that Iran is violating its commitments. It just serves as evidence to allegations against our nuclear program. It would just facilitate a global consensus against our country, something that Israelis and hard-line American and European diplomats are desperately looking forward to.
Those who believe that getting out of the Non-Proliferation Treaty is a necessary measure to react against West threats see Iran’s disregard of threats or North Korea’s violation of its previous agreements as successful experiences which could be imitated. However, Middle East particular circumstances at this point of time and Iran’s decreased maneuverability, especially since Obama has entered White House, should have proved us that we can’t follow the North Korean model. Moreover, there are doubts that North Korea’s strategy has served its national interests.
The truth is that the current situation does not give us any more opportunities to fancy radical measures. We could not rely on votes of abstention and cheer for failure of consensus over IAEA’s resolution, nor should we believe the diplomatic lip service of our neighboring countries who, when visiting Tehran talk of Iran’s inviolate right to have nuclear energy, and vote against us in international organizations.
Those who insist on withdrawal from NPT should calm down and see if such a risky diplomatic gamble would serve our national interests or it would backfire and isolate our country in the international scene.
During the recent years, along with undeniable scientific and political achievements of our peaceful nuclear program, our country has been targeted by several resolutions issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency and United Nations. Meanwhile, the United States has shifted its stance from firm opposition to Iran’s –even peaceful- nuclear activities when Bush was in White House and Collin Power served as his secretary of state, to acknowledging Iran’s full entitlement to advance its nuclear program (including uranium enrichment) under the supervision of IAEA. However, with multiple resolutions against Iran, the situation moves towards US favorite state, that is, a global consensus against Iran.
We should know that Iran’s withdrawal from NPT will serve us no good. It would only add to our problems and please the enemies to our country’s interests. A number of diplomats and observers regard it as the best reaction to warnings about further resolutions and sanctions and see it as a sign to show Iran’s determination in this political and propaganda battle. However, in my opinion it is a risky gamble that may takes us to murky waters. Abandoning NPT, even when masqueraded as a rational move, will pave the way for solidarity among the international community (or at least global powers) against Iran.
It seems that Russia and China’s vote in favor of the latest IAEA resolution against Iran’s nuclear program (the first in four years) should alert our statesmen and encourage them to tilt the balance in their favor by changing tactics and strategies.
Not being a member of NPT would be of no concern if Iran had not signed it from the first day, just as Israel, Pakistan and India did. At the current circumstances, leaving the treaty would only imply that Iran is violating its commitments. It just serves as evidence to allegations against our nuclear program. It would just facilitate a global consensus against our country, something that Israelis and hard-line American and European diplomats are desperately looking forward to.
Those who believe that getting out of the Non-Proliferation Treaty is a necessary measure to react against West threats see Iran’s disregard of threats or North Korea’s violation of its previous agreements as successful experiences which could be imitated. However, Middle East particular circumstances at this point of time and Iran’s decreased maneuverability, especially since Obama has entered White House, should have proved us that we can’t follow the North Korean model. Moreover, there are doubts that North Korea’s strategy has served its national interests.
The truth is that the current situation does not give us any more opportunities to fancy radical measures. We could not rely on votes of abstention and cheer for failure of consensus over IAEA’s resolution, nor should we believe the diplomatic lip service of our neighboring countries who, when visiting Tehran talk of Iran’s inviolate right to have nuclear energy, and vote against us in international organizations.
Those who insist on withdrawal from NPT should calm down and see if such a risky diplomatic gamble would serve our national interests or it would backfire and isolate our country in the international scene.