Iran Considers Leaving Nuclear Treaty as Activity Continues at Key Sites

Iranian officials are debating whether to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons as satellite imagery reveals ongoing construction across key nuclear sites, Deutsche Welle reported. The internal debate follows repeated strikes against major facilities and comes amid unresolved questions over Tehran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Diplomatic tensions escalated after Iranian politicians and senior officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, warned that Tehran could abandon the 1970 non-proliferation accord. The treaty obligates non-nuclear weapon states to forgo atomic arms in exchange for access to civilian nuclear technology. North Korea remains the only country to formally withdraw from the pact.

At the same time, commercial satellite photographs show expanded activity at several nuclear locations. Construction has advanced at the Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La site, also known as Pickaxe Mountain, which sits roughly two kilometers south of the Natanz uranium enrichment facility.

Satellite images documented new tunnel portals, security walls and heavy earth-moving equipment around the underground installation. Analysts estimate that sections of the mountain complex lie up to 100 meters beneath volcanic rock. The depth provides significant defense against conventional airstrikes and bunker-penetrating munitions.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi said inspectors have never received access to inspect Pickaxe Mountain. Without on-site monitoring, international observers cannot verify whether Iran has installed centrifuges or moved enriched uranium into the subterranean tunnels.

Intelligence reports and United Nations monitors estimate that Iran possesses approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent purity. That concentration falls short of 90 percent weapons-grade material but exceeds civilian requirements. Experts assess the stockpile would yield enough material for multiple nuclear warheads if enriched further.

Iranian authorities insist the country does not seek nuclear weapons, citing religious rulings that forbid weapons of mass destruction. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran is willing to discuss enrichment limits and allow inspections only if foreign sanctions and military pressure cease.

The next formal diplomatic assessment will occur at the upcoming nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty review conference, where member states plan to address Iran's compliance and inspection access.