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Context:

Why Trump Withdrew from the Iran Nuclear Deal in 2018 and Why He Wants to Renegotiate Now.

Background

The US president Donald Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in 2018 because he considered it one of "the worst and most one-sided transactions" for the US.

In 2015, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, Germany, the European Union, and Iran signed the ‘Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action’ (JCPOA), more commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal.

It provided Iran with sanctions relief in return for Tehran severely limiting the scope of its nuclear program — Iran agreed to not enrich its uranium beyond 3.67%, a level suitable for peaceful nuclear power applications but not for weapons production — and signing a roadmap agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

He criticized the deal's sunset clauses, which have allowed Iran to resume nuclear activities after certain periods, and he believed that the deal failed to address Iran's ballistic missile program and its support for regional proxies.

Why Trump Wants to Renegotiate the deal?

Changed Regional Dynamics

Iran's economy is in an alarming situation, with new President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledging "very dire imbalances" in various sectors.

There has been a deepening rapprochement between Iran and Gulf partners, partially due to Israel's increasing unpopularity in the Arab world.

The conflict in Palestine and increased tensions between Israel and Iran have created new pressures for de-escalation.

Iran's Nuclear Progress

By early 2023, Iran had stockpiled enough enriched material to produce a nuclear weapon in just 12 days.
By early 2024, Iran had enough material for three nuclear weapons and began barring international inspectors from monitoring its nuclear program.

Challenges to Renegotiation

Trust deficit between Washington and Tehran, with both conservatives and reformists in Iran blaming Trump for ending the original JCPOA.

Any American offer that removes the sunset clauses or imposes harsher terms reduces the possibility of reaching an agreement.

Iranian hardliners have opposed benefits to the US, especially after the experience of the Trump administration's maximum pressure campaign.

The complex web of alliances and conflicts in the Middle East makes negotiations more challenging. Iran's support for Russia in the Ukraine war and its proxy networks complicate US efforts to isolate Tehran.

Must Read Articles:

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)

Source:

INDIAN EXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.How should India balance its strategic interests with its principled stance on non-proliferation in the context of the Iran nuclear deal? 150 words