Iran Nuclear Programme and the JCPOA Framework
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in July 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (US, UK, France, Russia, China, plus Germany), was a landmark arms control agreement that placed restrictions on Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. The US withdrawal in 2018 and Iran's subsequent breaching of enrichment limits have left the agreement effectively defunct.
- JCPOA (July 14, 2015): Iran agreed to reduce its low-enriched uranium stockpile by 97% (from 10,000 kg to 300 kg), limit enrichment to 3.67% (civilian-grade, not weapons-grade at 90%+), and accept enhanced IAEA monitoring.
- In exchange, Iran received relief from nuclear-related sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council (Resolutions 2231), the EU, and the US.
- US withdrawal: May 8, 2018 — President Trump withdrew citing Iran's missile programme, regional activities, and "sunset clauses" in the agreement.
- Post-withdrawal escalation: Iran breached the 300 kg stockpile limit in July 2019 and began enriching uranium to 60% purity in April 2021 — significantly above the JCPOA's 3.67% cap but below weapons-grade (90%).
- The IAEA has confirmed Iran possesses enough enriched uranium (if further enriched) for multiple nuclear weapons, though Iran maintains its programme is exclusively peaceful.
- NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, 1968): Iran is a signatory (ratified 1970) and is obligated not to develop nuclear weapons under Article II.
● Tracked since February 14, 2026 · last seen July 14, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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