REVIVAL OF THE IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL

UPSC Relevance

• GS-2: International Relations (West Asia crisis, nuclear proliferation, global policies affecting India)

Key Points

• Indirect U.S.-Iran talks, mediated by Oman, aim to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA).
• The Trump administration’s 2018 withdrawal led Iran to exceed the deal’s nuclear limits.
• Current negotiations focus on sanctions relief for Iran and restrictions on its nuclear program.
• Israel and Saudi Arabia’s concerns complicate the talks.

Detailed Insights

• The JCPOA curbed Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief.
• The U.S. is willing to rejoin if Iran complies, but Israel opposes the deal, fearing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
• Regional conflicts, like Yemen, influence the negotiations.

Significance

• The talks’ outcome will shape Middle East nuclear proliferation and geopolitics.
• A revived deal could reduce tensions, while failure risks escalation.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Both sides must show flexibility to revive the JCPOA.
• Engaging regional stakeholders and ensuring robust verification mechanisms are key.
• Addressing Iran’s nuclear activities transparently will build trust.