Macron Warns of “Worst Scenario” if Iran Quits NPT
French President Emmanuel Macron has sounded the alarm over the possibility of Iran withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), calling it the “worst-case scenario.” His comments came amid heightened global tensions following military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Macron stated that recent developments, particularly military escalation involving Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, could push Tehran to exit the NPT — a treaty Iran has been part of since 1970. The French President acknowledged that the U.S. strikes were “genuinely effective,” but warned they might provoke deeper consequences if diplomacy is not urgently restored.
Speaking after a European Union summit, Macron revealed that he had raised the matter with U.S. President Donald Trump and other United Nations Security Council members. His goal: to ensure a unified front urging Iran to remain committed to the treaty and international norms. “The worst would be that the consequence of this is Iran’s exit from the Non-Proliferation Treaty and therefore, ultimately, a drift and a collective weakening,” he stressed.
The concern stems from increasing calls within Iran’s parliament to formally withdraw from the NPT in retaliation to what Tehran views as acts of aggression. While the treaty allows nations to exit with 90 days’ notice under Article X, Macron warned that such a move would mark a dangerous precedent—potentially fueling a nuclear arms race and unraveling decades of arms control.
Iran NPT
Iran has long maintained that its nuclear activities are peaceful and permitted under the NPT framework. However, the West has remained skeptical, especially after Tehran increased uranium enrichment levels. A withdrawal from the treaty would remove the international safeguards that currently provide limited transparency into Iran’s nuclear program.
Macron warning
Macron’s remarks reflect European anxiety over a possible collapse of diplomatic channels. He called for renewed negotiations not just to limit enrichment, but also to address Iran’s missile programs and regional activities. Europe, he said, must play a more proactive role to stop a potential “collective weakening” of non-proliferation commitments.
Nuclear exit
If Iran exits the NPT, it would follow the path of countries like North Korea, which rapidly expanded its nuclear capabilities after withdrawal. Such a shift could trigger a destabilizing domino effect in the Middle East, with rival states considering their own nuclear options. Macron’s warning is a clear call for crisis containment before diplomatic options vanish.
