US and Iran Resumed Negotiations over Iran’s Nuclear Program

Context

The United States and Iran have resumed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program following a period of heightened tensions, signaling a capacity thaw in diplomatic relations.

Earlier talks 

• Iran had formerly refused direct talks with the U.S. Following the U.S. Withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA). 
• Indirect talks were held under Joe Biden however have been unsuccessful, and Iran accelerated its nuclear program.

Iran’s Nuclear Programme 

• Iran is  a signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) but it ceased cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after the 1979 revolution.
• Allegations have existed about Iran pursuing a secret nuclear weapons program, despite the fact that Iran claims its nuclear program is for peaceful functions.
• Iran has enriched uranium to various levels, with 19.75% in 2010 and 60% recently, transferring closer to weapons-grade uranium (90%).

The 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA)

• The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed  between Tehran, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, and the European Union.
• It aimed to clear up the nuclear disaster by lifting sanctions on Iran in exchange for Iran restricting its nuclear activities, along with decreasing its centrifuges, capping uranium enrichment to 3.67%, and proscribing its low-enriched uranium (LEU) stockpile to 300 kg. 
• Iran complied with the deal until the U.S. withdrew in 2018 under President Trump and reimposed sanctions.
  • In response, Iran improved its nuclear program, enriching uranium to 60%, which is a great step in the direction of weapons-grade uranium.

Potential for a Nuclear Weapon and Related Concerns 

• It’s estimated that Iran should broaden a deployable nuclear warhead within months, if it chooses to achieve this, given its current enrichment skills.
• The growing stockpile and decreased breakout time have raised concerns.
• Israel has expressed strong concerns over Iran’s nuclear progress, threatening military action to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
• Trump has also cautioned military activities if diplomatic talks fail, with Israel gambling a key position in any military operation.

Latest Developments 

• Recently, Iran has confronted military, political, and economic pressures, including setbacks in its region that have an impact on and worsening financial conditions. 
• Trump supplied talk, mentioning that the U.S. Couldn’t allow Iran to achieve a nuclear bomb, prompting Iran to have interaction in international relations.
• Iran agreed to negotiate, in part due to its weakened function.

Way Forward

• Revival of JCPOA: Requires mutual agreement with-building, sanctions remedy, and IAEA tracking.
• Multilateral Guarantees: Broader global consensus is critical to prevent breakout conditions.
• Regional Dialogue: Middle Eastern security structure has to include nuclear non-proliferation commitments.
• India’s Diplomatic Role: As an accountable regional partner, India can suggest peaceful nuclear power and non-proliferation.

Source: The ToI

Prelims PYQ

Q. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA safeguards” while others are not? (2020)

(a) Some use uranium and others use thorium 

(b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies 

(c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises 

(d) Some are State-owned and others are privately owned 

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