Iran Nuclear Programme and JCPOA History
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), finalised in Vienna on July 14, 2015, was a landmark agreement between Iran and the P5+1 (US, UK, France, Russia, China + Germany) plus the European Union. It placed verified restrictions on Iran's uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. Iran agreed to limit enrichment to 3.67% purity, reduce its uranium stockpile to 300 kg, and allow IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) inspections.
- JCPOA finalised: July 14, 2015 (Vienna); implemented: January 16, 2016 after IAEA verification
- Key parties: Iran + P5+1 (US, UK, France, Russia, China) + Germany + EU
- US withdrawal: May 8, 2018 (Trump's first term) — "maximum pressure" sanctions reimposed
- Iran's response post-2018: Enrichment rose to 60% purity (JCPOA limit: 3.67%); stockpile now ~30x the permitted level
- Weapons-grade threshold: 90% enrichment — Iran's 60% is significant but not weapons-grade
- IAEA verification mechanism: Additional Protocol + Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA)
- India's position: Supported JCPOA; concerned about regional stability and energy security (significant oil imports from Iran historically)
● Tracked since February 24, 2026 · last seen June 23, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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