Sat Sep 13 14:11:40 UTC 2025: ## Iran Tightens Grip on Nuclear Inspections After Attacks, Considers NPT Exit

**Tehran, Iran** – In the wake of recent attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, allegedly by the United States and Israel, Iran is asserting stricter control over international inspections and hinting at a potential withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Following an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Cairo, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is facing pressure from hardline lawmakers regarding access to damaged nuclear facilities. Araghchi has assured parliament that the IAEA’s access remains limited to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, and any further inspections will require approval from the Supreme National Security Council, a high-level body including the president, parliament and judiciary chiefs, several ministers, military commanders and those appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Araghchi has also confirmed that Iran’s high-enriched uranium is “under the rubble of bombed facilities”, and said the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran is investigating and assessing whether the sites are accessible or contaminated.

Meanwhile, Amir Hayat Moghadam, a member of the parliament’s national security commission, claimed that Araghchi warned that Iran would consider leaving the NPT if UN sanctions are reinstated, signaling a potential escalation of tensions. The foreign ministry has confirmed legislation is in motion aimed at abandoning the global non-proliferation pact, but that finalising such a move would only potentially come if the “snapback” mechanism of Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers is abused by European countries.

The developments come as tensions rise in the region following Israel’s recent attack on Qatar. Iranian security chief Ali Larijani issued a strong warning to Islamic governments, urging them to take concrete action against Israel’s “madness” instead of issuing mere statements of condemnation. Qatar is set to host an emergency Arab-Islamic summit on Monday to discuss the attack. President Masoud Pezeshkian will represent Iran.

Amidst the geopolitical turmoil, Araghchi announced that Iran and France are nearing an agreement on a prisoner swap, with hopes that an exchange will occur soon.

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