Senior Iranian lawmaker Manouchehr Mottaki has warned that Iran’s parliament could withdraw from the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) if the United Nations reimposes international sanctions.

In an interview with Defapress on Wednesday, Mottaki said the move would be a direct response to European nations considering activation of the UN’s “snapback” mechanism — a provision that allows sanctions to be automatically reinstated if Iran is judged to be in violation of its nuclear obligations. The so-called E3 group — France, Germany, and the UK — have indicated they may trigger the mechanism before it expires in October.

The warning comes amid stalled nuclear talks and rising concern over Tehran’s uranium enrichment activities. Iranian officials have repeatedly said withdrawal from the NPT would be a last-resort measure, but one they are prepared to take if sanctions return.

The NPT, signed by Iran in 1968 and ratified in 1970, commits members to forgo developing nuclear weapons in exchange for access to civilian nuclear technology. Leaving the treaty would mark a significant escalation in tensions and further isolate Tehran diplomatically.