Context
• The U.S. and Iran are currently engaged in rare high-stakes diplomacy. They have held two rounds of talks, in Muscat and in Rome, with Oman as the mediator, about Tehran’s nuclear programme. A third technical round has been confirmed for the coming days.
• The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, was significantly impacted by actions taken during Donald Trump's presidency.
• The U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under President Donald Trump, despite Iran being fully compliant with the agreement's terms.
JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action)
Background:
- Signed in 2015 between Iran and P5+1 (USA, UK, France, Russia, China + Germany) and the European Union.
- Aim: Prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons while allowing peaceful nuclear energy use.
Key Features:
- Iran limited its uranium enrichment to 3.67% (far below weapons-grade ~90%).
- Iran reduced its stockpile of enriched uranium by 98%.
- Allowed strict inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
- In return, economic sanctions on Iran were lifted.
Why Germany is Involved:
- Part of EU-3 (UK, France, Germany) already negotiating with Iran since early 2000s.
- US, UK & Russia joined later only
Timeline Highlights:
- 2018: USA under President Trump withdrew from JCPOA, reimposed sanctions.
- Post-2018: Iran started violating JCPOA limits (e.g., higher uranium enrichment).
- 2021 onwards: Talks to revive JCPOA (Vienna Talks), uncertain outcomes.
UPSC / PCM - 2026 / NEW REGULAR BATCH STARTS ON SEP-5, 2025 
