Iran’s Nuclear Programme: A Global Concern

1. Historical Background:
2. • Initiated in the 1950s under the Shah with U.S. support for civilian nuclear energy.
   • Post-1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran pursued self-reliance in nuclear technology amid Western suspicion of weaponization.
2. Key Facilities:
3. • Natanz: Major uranium enrichment site with advanced centrifuges.
   • Arak: Heavy-water reactor, capable of producing plutonium (redesigned under JCPOA).
   • Fordow: Underground enrichment facility, less accessible to monitoring.
3. JCPOA (2015):
4. • Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action signed by Iran, P5+1 (U.S., UK, France, Russia, China, Germany), and EU.
   • Iran agreed to limit uranium enrichment to 3.67%, reduce centrifuge numbers, and allow IAEA inspections in exchange for sanctions relief.
4. U.S. Withdrawal (2018):
5. • President Trump exited the JCPOA, reimposing sanctions, citing Iran’s regional activities and missile programme.
   • Iran gradually breached JCPOA limits, enriching uranium to 60% (near weapons-grade 90%).
5. Current Status (2025):
6. • Iran possesses enough enriched uranium for multiple nuclear weapons if further processed, per IAEA reports.
   • Advanced centrifuges (IR-6, IR-9) enhance enrichment speed, raising concerns.
   • IAEA access restricted since 2021, complicating verification.
6. Regional and Global Tensions:
7. • Israel views Iran’s programme as an existential threat, conducting covert operations (e.g., Stuxnet, scientist assassinations).
   • Gulf states, led by Saudi Arabia, seek U.S. security guarantees and consider their own nuclear ambitions.
   • Russia and China maintain economic ties with Iran, complicating Western sanctions.
7. Diplomatic Efforts:
8. • Post-2020, talks to revive JCPOA stalled over mutual distrust and U.S. demands on non-nuclear issues.
   • Iran insists on sanctions relief and guarantees against future U.S. withdrawal.
8. Iran’s Stance:
9. • Claims nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes (energy, medical isotopes).
   • Supreme Leader Khamenei issued a fatwa against nuclear weapons, though skepticism persists.
9. Implications:
10. • Risk of regional arms race if Iran advances toward nuclear capability.
    • Sanctions have crippled Iran’s economy, fueling domestic unrest.
    • Failure of diplomacy could lead to military escalation, involving U.S. and Israel.

Key Terms:

• JCPOA: 2015 nuclear deal limiting Iran’s nuclear activities for sanctions relief.
• Uranium enrichment: Process to increase uranium-235 concentration for reactors or weapons.
• IAEA: International Atomic Energy Agency, monitors nuclear compliance.
• Centrifuges: Machines used to enrich uranium by separating isotopes.
• Sanctions: Economic penalties to pressure Iran’s nuclear compliance.
• P5+1: Group of six powers negotiating with Iran (U.S., UK, France, Russia, China, Germany).
• Nuclear weaponization: Development of nuclear material into functional weapons.

Link To The Original Article – https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/irans-nuclear-programme-an-atomic-tug-of-war/article69443845.ece