Iran's Nuclear Development Flashcards
What is the main U.S. concern about Iran’s nuclear program?
That Iran is secretly developing nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian energy program.
What does Iran claim about its nuclear program?
That it is peaceful and solely for energy and medical purposes.
What major international agreement was signed in 2015?
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal.
What were Iran’s commitments under the JCPOA?
Limit uranium enrichment, reduce centrifuges, allow IAEA inspections.
What did Iran receive in exchange under the JCPOA?
Lifting of international and U.S. sanctions.
Which countries were part of the JCPOA?
Iran, U.S., UK, France, Germany, Russia, China, and the EU.
What happened in 2018 under President Trump?
The U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA and reimposed sanctions.
How did Iran respond to the U.S. withdrawal?
It began reducing its compliance with the deal and restarted higher levels of uranium enrichment.
What has happened since 2021 under President Biden?
Attempts to revive the deal have stalled due to lack of trust and geopolitical complications.
What is the current status of Iran’s nuclear program?
Iran is enriching uranium close to weapons-grade levels; no new deal is in place.
Since the beginning of Trump’s Second Term, what has he done to Iran’s nuclear development
Threatened Iran with bombing if not de-escalate their development
How does the Iran–U.S. nuclear dispute reflect Realism?
power struggle: U.S. perceives Iran’s nuclear program as a threat to its influence in the Middle East.
How does Liberalism explain the Iran–U.S. nuclear dispute?
cooperation and institutions: JCPOA represents a liberal approach aim to manage nuclear proliferation and prevent conflict.
How does Constructivism explain the Iran–U.S. nuclear issue?
The U.S. views Iran through a lens of suspicion and threat, while Iran views its nuclear program as essential for sovereignty and security in a hostile environment.
How does Postcolonialism apply to the Iran–U.S. nuclear conflict?
double standards: Western powers are trusted with nuclear weapons, but non-Western states denied global inequalities and Western dominance in nuclear politics.
What is the Security Dilemma in the Iran–U.S. context?
security dilemma arises because Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons is perceived as a threat by the U.S., leading to a cycle of mistrust and further escalation. Both sides’ actions, aimed at securing their own safety, actually increase insecurity.
