The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, was established in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 countries (the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany) to ensure the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions.
Background
Under the JCPOA, Iran agreed to limit its uranium enrichment to 3.67%, reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium by 98%, and decrease the number of its centrifuges by two-thirds. These measures were to be verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to prevent the development of nuclear weapons. In return, international sanctions imposed on Iran were lifted, allowing it to re-engage with the global economy.
However, in 2018, the United States, under President Donald Trump, unilaterally withdrew from the agreement and reinstated sanctions on Iran. This move led Iran to gradually reduce its compliance with the deal, including increasing its uranium enrichment levels beyond the agreed limits.
Current Developments
As of April 2025, efforts to revive the JCPOA have resumed. The United States and Iran have engaged in indirect talks in Oman, facilitated by Omani officials. These discussions are aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and restoring elements of the 2015 agreement. Both sides have described the initial talks as constructive and have agreed to continue negotiations.
Key issues in the current negotiations include Iran’s demand for the lifting of sanctions and the United States’ insistence on Iran reducing its uranium enrichment levels and allowing comprehensive inspections by the IAEA. Iran has enriched uranium to levels nearing weapons-grade, raising concerns about its nuclear intentions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to visit Moscow to discuss developments in the nuclear talks, indicating the involvement of other JCPOA signatories in the negotiation process.
Challenges Ahead
The path to restoring the JCPOA is fraught with challenges. Iran insists on maintaining its civil nuclear program and has set the lifting of sanctions as a red line in the negotiations. The United States, on the other hand, seeks a more comprehensive deal that addresses not only Iran’s nuclear activities but also its ballistic missile program and regional behaviour.
Domestic politics in both countries also play a significant role. In Iran, hardliners are skeptical of engaging with the United States, while in the U.S., political divisions influence the approach to Iran. The upcoming expiration of the JCPOA in October 2025 adds urgency to the negotiations.
The JCPOA remains a critical framework for preventing nuclear proliferation in the Middle East. While recent talks offer a glimmer of hope, significant differences between the United States and Iran must be bridged. The involvement of other international players and the IAEA’s role in verification are essential components of any potential agreement. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether diplomacy can prevail in resolving the longstanding nuclear issue.
Sources
- https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iranian-foreign-minister-will-consult-iran-us-talks-during-visit-russia-2025-04-14/?utm_
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/8/are-the-us-and-iran-having-direct-talks-on-tehrans-nuclear-programme?utm_
- https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/12/iran-foreign-minister-oman-us-nuclear-programme-talks?utm_
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