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The JCPOA, Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programmes: An Adelphi Series

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Uncertain Future: The JCPOA and Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Programmes (Adelphi series)

by Mark Fitzpatrick

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA),commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, was a landmark agreement reached in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany). The JCPOA was designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, the deal has been controversial since its inception, with both supporters and detractors arguing over its merits. This Adelphi Series provides an in-depth analysis of the JCPOA, Iran's nuclear and missile programs, and their implications for regional and global security.

The JCPOA

The JCPOA was the culmination of years of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1. The deal was formally adopted in July 2015 and entered into force in January 2016. The JCPOA placed significant restrictions on Iran's nuclear program, including limits on the number of centrifuges it could operate, the amount of uranium it could enrich, and the level of enrichment it could achieve. The deal also required Iran to implement a comprehensive safeguards regime and to grant the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to its nuclear facilities for inspection.

In return for these concessions, the P5+1 agreed to lift economic sanctions on Iran. The sanctions had been imposed on Iran for over a decade and had crippled its economy. The lifting of sanctions allowed Iran to resume normal trade relations with the rest of the world and to access its frozen assets. The JCPOA was hailed as a major diplomatic achievement and was seen as a way to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Iran's Nuclear Program

Iran has a long history of nuclear development. The country began its nuclear program in the 1950s with the assistance of the United States. In the 1970s, Iran's nuclear program was expanded under the Shah of Iran. After the Iranian Revolution in 1979, Iran's nuclear program was suspended for several years. However, in the 1980s, Iran resumed its nuclear program, and in the 1990s, Iran began to develop a uranium enrichment program.

The development of Iran's uranium enrichment program raised concerns in the international community. Uranium enrichment is a key step in the production of nuclear weapons, and Iran's efforts to develop this technology were seen as a potential threat to regional and global security. In 2002, the United States and other countries accused Iran of secretly pursuing a nuclear weapons program. Iran denied these accusations, but the international community remained skeptical.

Iran's Missile Program

In addition to its nuclear program, Iran also has a missile program. Iran's missile program began in the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq War. Iran's missiles were initially used to target Iraqi military and civilian targets. However, in the 1990s, Iran began to develop longer-range missiles that could reach targets in Europe and the United States.

The development of Iran's missile program raised concerns in the international community. Iran's missiles could be used to deliver nuclear weapons, and their range and accuracy make them a potential threat to regional and global security. In 2006, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution that called on Iran to suspend its missile program. Iran has refused to comply with this resolution.

Implications for Regional and Global Security

The JCPOA has implications for regional and global security. The deal is designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, which would be a major threat to regional and global security. The lifting of economic sanctions on Iran could also help to stabilize the region and to improve Iran's relations with the West.

However, the JCPOA has also been criticized by some who argue that it does not go far enough to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. These critics argue that the deal allows Iran to continue to enrich uranium, which could be used to produce nuclear weapons. They also argue that the deal does not address Iran's missile program, which could be used to deliver nuclear weapons.

The JCPOA is a complex agreement with implications for regional and global security. The deal is designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, but it has been criticized by some who argue that it does not go far enough. The JCPOA is also likely to be a major issue in the upcoming US presidential election. The next US president will have to decide whether to continue to implement the deal or to withdraw from it. The future of the JCPOA is uncertain, but it is clear that the deal has implications for regional and global security.

Uncertain Future: The JCPOA and Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Programmes (Adelphi series)

by Mark Fitzpatrick

4.5 out of 5