Tehran: Amid an escalating Israeli air campaign against Iran, calls are mounting in Tehran to withdraw from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil routes.

According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, the archenemies have been trading fire since June 13, following Israel's unprecedented attack on Iran's nuclear sites, military bases, and residential areas. The offensive aims to hinder Tehran's nuclear program and eliminate top military leadership. The attacks have resulted in the deaths of several high-profile Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran's Health Ministry reported on June 15 that 224 people, including children, have been killed.

Tehran's consideration of withdrawing from the NPT is seen as a significant shift. Azizi argues that such a move would effectively dismantle Iran's legal defense on the international stage. Tehran has so far asserted that Israel's actions are unlawful, citing the absence of an imminent threat. Exiting the NPT would undermine this defense entirely.

In 2010, Supreme Leader Khamenei issued a fatwa declaring the use of nuclear weapons as "haram," or forbidden under Islamic law, further stating that Iran would not pursue them. Iranian officials have frequently pointed to this decree as evidence that the Islamic republic has no intention of developing nuclear weapons. However, analysts argue that the fatwa does not present a serious obstacle to acquiring a bomb. They note that Iran could undertake much of the necessary work while the fatwa remains in place, and it could be revoked if a decision were made to move forward.

Baqaei stated on June 16 that, despite legislative efforts to initiate Iran's withdrawal from the NPT, Tehran is not looking to acquire nuclear weapons.

The possibility of closing the Strait of Hormuz has been raised by hard-line media and several officials. Such a move would threaten nearly a fifth of the world's oil supply. Gregory Brew, a senior Iran and oil analyst at the New York-based Eurasia Group, considers it a threat Tehran is unlikely to carry out. "Closing the strait is Iran's last big card to play," Brew told RFE/RL. Iran can blockade the waterway by deploying short-range ballistic missiles, naval vessels, and mines.

However, attempting to blockade the strategic strait would have major ramifications, including an immediate response from the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Brew further noted that if the war with Israel is proving very damaging, a confrontation with the US and the GCC would be much worse.

Economically, closing the Strait of Hormuz would also hurt Iran as it uses the waterway to export oil, mostly to China. "So long as that continues, I don't think it will act on its threats," Brew added.