The 2015 nuclear agreement, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was a landmark agreement between Iran and the P5+1 (United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany). The agreement aimed to limit Iran`s nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions.
The terms of the JCPOA were complex, with several key provisions that were negotiated over months of intense diplomatic efforts. Here are some of the main terms of the 2015 nuclear agreement:
1. Reduction of uranium enrichment: Iran agreed to reduce its uranium enrichment capacity by two-thirds, with only 5,060 centrifuges allowed for 10 years.
2. Limits on stockpiles: Iran was required to reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium to 300 kg, a level that would not be sufficient to build a nuclear weapon.
3. Inspections: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was granted access to inspect Iranian nuclear facilities to ensure compliance with the agreement. Inspections could be carried out at any time, including at military sites.
4. Arak reactor: The Arak heavy water reactor, which could potentially produce plutonium for a nuclear weapon, was redesigned to reduce its proliferation risk.
5. Sanctions relief: Upon verification of Iran`s compliance with the agreement, economic sanctions were lifted, allowing Iran to resume oil exports and access to the global financial system.
The JCPOA was a major achievement in international diplomacy, but it also faced criticism and controversy. Some argued that the agreement did not go far enough in limiting Iran`s nuclear program, while others believed that it provided too many concessions to Iran without sufficient guarantees of compliance.
In May 2018, the United States unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA and reimposed economic sanctions on Iran. Despite efforts from other signatories to salvage the agreement, Iran has since increased its nuclear activities beyond the limits set by the JCPOA.
The terms of the 2015 nuclear agreement were a delicate balance of risk and reward, representing a significant step towards global nuclear non-proliferation. Although the future of the JCPOA remains uncertain, its framework and provisions will continue to shape international efforts to address nuclear threats.