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International Relations GS 2 In the news 3 times

Iran Nuclear Programme and the JCPOA

Iran's nuclear programme has been a source of international tension since 2002 when the existence of undeclared nuclear facilities at Natanz and Arak was revealed.

Key details
  • The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (US, UK, France, Russia, China, plus Germany), placing limits on Iran's uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief.
  • The US withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018 under the Trump administration and reimposed sanctions.
  • Iran subsequently began exceeding JCPOA limits, enriching uranium to 60% purity (weapons-grade is approximately 90%).
  • The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitors Iran's nuclear activities but has reported reduced access since 2021.
  • Indirect talks between the US and Iran have continued intermittently, with the current Geneva round representing a fresh diplomatic attempt.
In the news

Tracked since February 18, 2026 · last seen July 03, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

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