Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

U.N. Dept. for Disarmament Affairs | 2000-01-01

The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which entered into force in 1970, empowers the IAEA to verify compliance with its provisions. The treaty requires non-nuclear weapons states to complete a "comprehensive safeguards agreement" with the IAEA within 180 days of signing the NPT. These agreements oblige treaty parties to provide the IAEA with detailed accounting records of all movements, transactions, and other actions involving their nuclear material. The agency then attempts to verify these declarations through monitoring and other measures designed to deter or detect the possible diversion of nuclear items for illicit purposes.

Referenced in Richard Weitz’s July 7, 2009 WPR column, "Global Insights: Challenges Await New IAEA Director."