The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is an international agreement aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. Established in 1968, it has three main goals: to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and to pursue nuclear disarmament. Countries that join the treaty commit to not developing nuclear weapons and to cooperating in the peaceful use of nuclear technology. The NPT is supported by 191 countries, making it one of the most widely adhered-to arms control agreements. The treaty recognizes five nuclear-armed states: the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, known as the P5. Other nations are encouraged to forgo nuclear weapons in exchange for access to peaceful nuclear technology and security assurances.