Going, Going, Gone? Assessing Iran's Possible Grounds for Withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

Abstract The recent targeted strike resulting in the death of Qassem Soleimani has received extensive attention for its violations international law by US. However, one area that not been considered following 3 January 2020 attack is possible consequences this may have Iran's nuclear non-proliferation legal obligations. Iranian officials previously alluded to possibility Iran withdrawing from Treaty on Non-Proliferation Nuclear Weapons (NPT) 1968 US withdrawal Joint Comprehensive Plan Action May 2018 and re-imposition economic sanctions against Iran. This article considers whether can withdraw NPT, thus freeing commitments develop weapons. It revisits provisions found Article X NPT examines invocation ‘extraordinary events’ clause other states relation instruments too. In light this, discussion legally before concluding with some thoughts as it should fact pursue option.