Iran's Government Threatens to Exit the NPT if the 'Trigger Mechanism' is Activated

Ismail Baqaei, the spokesperson for the Islamic Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced during a press conference on Monday, January 21, that if the 'trigger mechanism' is activated in nuclear negotiations, there would be no justification for Iran to remain in the NPT treaty. According to the government news agency ILNA, Baqaei stated, 'Regarding the discussions known as the trigger mechanism, we have clarified that if this lever is used, our response will be proportional and reciprocal.' The spokesperson further emphasized that 'the misuse of this mechanism will leave us with no justification for Iran's continued presence in agreements like the NPT [Non-Proliferation Treaty].' The date for the use of the 'trigger mechanism,' which is a lever for Western powers to quickly reinstate sanctions against Iran, will expire on October 18 of this year (October 26, 1404 in the Iranian calendar). The 'trigger mechanism,' which is part of the 2015 agreement or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), allows signatories to reapply UN sanctions against the Islamic Republic in case of 'significant non-fulfillment of commitments.' The spokesperson also commented on recent statements by Masoud Pezeshkian regarding the necessity of negotiating with the United States, stating that 'the government's position is only announced through official spokespersons and personal opinions should not be considered as the official stance of the government.' Baqaei added that discussions between the Iranian government and Europe are 'natural and similar to those raised during the JCPOA era.' Previously, Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, warned on Monday, January 7, that Iran's nuclear program is approaching a 'point of no return' and that France should engage in 'strategic dialogue' with Donald Trump's administration regarding the Islamic Republic. The French President added that world leaders should ask themselves what mechanism they will create to reinstate sanctions against Iran before October of this year. Donald Trump's transition team stated on Friday, December 14, to the Persian section of Voice of America that all options for addressing Iran's nuclear program, including maximum pressure, are on the table. The Wall Street Journal also reported that Trump's transition team is considering various options to prevent Iran from accessing nuclear weapons, including the option of a 'preventive airstrike.' Macron: Iran is the most significant security challenge for the Middle East and Europe. The third round of nuclear consultations between the Islamic Republic and Europe occurs one week before Trump's return. Iran's readiness for 'nuclear negotiations' and the lifting of sanctions is also noted.