JCPOA

JCPOA

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, an agreement reached on July 14, 2015, between Iran and six major powers to limit Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the reduction of international economic sanctions.

Enriched Uranium

Uranium that has been processed to increase the concentration of the uranium-235 isotope, which can be used for nuclear reactions.

Uranium Enrichment Cap

Under the JCPOA, Iran's uranium enrichment was capped at 3.67 percent, significantly below the weapons-grade enrichment level of 90 percent.

Centrifuges

Machines used to enrich uranium by spinning it rapidly to increase the concentration of uranium-235.

Iran's Stockpile Reduction

Iran committed to reducing its stockpile of enriched uranium by about 98 percent to less than 300 kg (660 lb) under the JCPOA.

Economic Sanctions

Penalties imposed by countries against Iran affecting its oil exports, banking, and key industries as part of the JCPOA agreement and later reimposed by the US after withdrawal.

IAEA

International Atomic Energy Agency, the organization responsible for verifying Iran's compliance with the nuclear agreement.

Trump's Withdrawal

In 2018, President Trump withdrew the US from the JCPOA, leading to the reimposition of economic sanctions on Iran.

Uranium Enrichment Levels

By December 2024, Iran was enriching uranium to 60 percent purity, indicating a breach of the JCPOA limits and moving closer to weapons-grade material.

Maximum Pressure Tactic

The US strategy implemented by Trump, involving the reimposition of sanctions to compel Iran to renegotiate the nuclear deal.

What is NPT?