Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, usually called the NPT, is an international treaty whose stated objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament. It was opened for signature in 1968 and entered into force in 1970. On 11 May 1995 the parties extended it indefinitely, and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs reports that 191 States have joined, including the five nuclear-weapon States, more than any other arms limitation and disarmament agreement. The treaty sets up a safeguards system under the responsibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which verifies compliance through inspections so that fissile material is not diverted to weapons use, while all parties are promised equal access to peaceful nuclear technology. Article VIII, paragraph 3 calls for a review of its operation every five years. The 2010 review conference agreed a final document, but the 2015 and Tenth Review Conferences ended without a consensus substantive outcome.