The idea that Iran feels itself bound by this treaty in any way at this point is absurd. “Bracing for Penalties, Iran Threatens to Withdraw From Nuclear Treaty,” from the New York Times, with thanks to Banafsheh Zand-Bonazzi:
TEHRAN, Feb. 11 “” Iran’s president warned on Saturday that Iran could withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty if international pressure increased over its nuclear program.
His threat was a significant escalation of the government’s previous position that it would only stop complying with spot inspections of military installations and sites it has not declared to be part of its nuclear program. The warning also raised the specter that Iran was considering following a strategy set by North Korea three years ago.
In a speech to tens of thousand of demonstrators who had gathered to mark the 27th anniversary of the Islamic revolution, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also staked out a broader path of resistance if penalties are imposed against Iran.
Evoking the possibility of penalties and international ostracism, he insisted that the country would continue its nuclear activities and urged Iranians to brace for tough times.
“The Islamic Republic has continued its program within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the nonproliferation treaty,” he said in the speech, which was broadcast live on state television. “But if we see that you want to use the NPT regulations to deprive us of our rights, know that the people will revise their policy in this regard.”
“I ask our dear people to prepare themselves for a great struggle,” he added, evoking the possibility of international penalties. “Fasten your seat belts and pull up your sleeves.”
Good advice for the entire world.