Any Changes to Iran Nuclear Deal Will 'Have Impact on Non-Proliferation Treaty'

Henk Cor Van der Kwast, the chairman of the first session of the Preparatory Committee (PREPCOM) for the 2020 NPT Review Conference, has spoken with Sputnik on the issue of the Non-Proliferation Treaty amid the possible collapse of the Iran Nuclear Deal.

MOSCOW (Sputnik), Ksenia Shakalova — The nuclear deal between Iran and a number of world powers is a very "important aspect" for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and any changes to it would "have an impact" on it, Henk Cor Van der Kwast said on the sidelines of the Moscow Nonproliferation Conference.

The official stressed that the deterioration of the situation around the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Actions (JCPOA) could impact the Treaty. However, he added that at the moment it was too early to comment on the issue.

The tensions around the accord that was signed in 2015 escalated in recent weeks after the statement of US President Donald Trump that he would decertify Iran's compliance with the deal, but stopped short of scrapping it altogether. The US leader said he might withdraw Washington from the accord if the Congress did not come up with a viable alternative during the review process.

READ MORE: Iran's Supreme Leader Vows a Strong Response to Attempts to Derail JCPOA

The nuclear deal implies that after Iran fulfills its obligations the country will still be able to develop its nuclear program but in the peaceful framework. NPT is most often referred to as an international agreement which prevents countries from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, its aim is also to promote a peaceful use of nuclear energy with parties to the Treaty contributing to this goal. Thus the effective implementation of the JCPOA would enable Iran to enjoy its right of using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes under the NPT.

The NPT came into effect in 1970 with the aim of preventing the spread of nukes and has been ratified by 190 governments. It recognizes five states as nuclear powers: China, France, Russia, the United States and the United Kingdom. India, Israel, and Pakistan have not signed the treaty, while North Korea withdrew from it in 2003.

READ MORE: Recent Nuclear Bomb Test Shows US Disregards NPT Treaty — NGO Head

Every five years parties to the NPT summon a conference in order to review the implementation of the Treaty. According to the United Nations, the PREPCOM is responsible for addressing the NPT-related issues.