Iranian Lawmaker Declares NPT No Longer Binding; Market Reactions Mixed
On September 12, 2026, Iranian MP Mohammadreza Mohseni-Sani declared that Tehran no longer considers itself bound by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a statement made amid ongoing US strikes on Iran since early September. While this remark has drawn attention in financial markets, it remains unclear whether it will lead to formal withdrawal from the treaty or trigger broader geopolitical consequences. Brent crude oil prices rose $13 per barrel over eight days following renewed conflict and Strait of Hormuz risk premiums. However, gold fell during active hostilities—contrary to its typical safe-haven behavior—which suggests dollar strength and real yields are overpowering traditional demand for the metal. Bitcoin closed at $77,231 on September 12 after peaking near $79,852 a day earlier. Markets appear to be treating Mohseni-Sani’s statement as noise until formal action is taken by Iran's government or reflected in policy changes. A formal NPT withdrawal would likely prompt UN Security Council sessions and could escalate tensions with Israel or the US.
Topics: Bitcoin gold Iran NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty) oil prices