Iran Will Explore Diplomacy Only After Aggression Ceases: Live Updates from Foreign Minister’s Talks with European Leaders

Why Can’t Iran Have Nuclear Weapons if Others Can?

Only a few countries hold nuclear weapons. These include the UK, US, Russia, China, France, India, Pakistan, and North Korea. Israel is suspected to have them, but they neither confirm nor deny it.

So, why can some nations possess nuclear arms while others cannot? The key lies in a 1968 agreement known as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). This treaty allows countries to have civilian nuclear programs but aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Most countries, including Iran, signed the agreement, promising not to develop nuclear arms.

However, not all countries follow the same rules. Israel, India, Pakistan, and South Sudan haven’t signed the NPT. North Korea once signed but later withdrew. India and Pakistan were not recognized as nuclear states when the treaty was created, and they would have to disarm if they joined now. South Sudan is new and does not have a nuclear program.

Israel has opted out of the NPT to maintain a policy of nuclear ambiguity. This strategy allows them to avoid inspections and keep their nuclear capabilities under wraps—the very inspections the NPT would require.

Meanwhile, Iran and many Arab nations feel strongly that Israel should be pressured to disarm. They view Israel’s presumed nuclear stockpile as a significant regional threat.

Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its intentions are peaceful. Yet, doubts linger. In 2002, a hidden nuclear program was discovered in Iran, violating the NPT and sparking a crisis that still affects international relations today.

Recent survey data show that many in the Middle East continue to fear the prospect of a nuclear-capable Iran. A 2023 poll indicated that 65% of respondents in the region believe Tehran’s nuclear ambitions could destabilize the area further.

Experts in international relations often highlight the double standards surrounding nuclear capabilities. For instance, Dr. Sarah B. Johnson, a scholar at the Center for International Security Studies, noted, "The NPT has created a divide that some see as leading to greater tensions. Countries like Iran are often held to different standards from those that already possess these weapons."

In summary, the issue isn’t solely about nuclear capability—it’s tied to geopolitics, historical context, and the ongoing struggle for security and stability in a volatile region. The debate remains complex and layered, as nations continue to navigate these sensitive issues.

Source link