Trump Seeks Iran Nuclear Talks After 2018 Withdrawal

Why in the News?

Former US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in restarting negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. This comes despite his 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA, amid Iran’s economic struggles, nuclear advancements, and shifting Middle East geopolitics.

Trump Seeks Iran Nuclear Talks After 2018 Withdrawal

Background: The Iran Nuclear Deal & Trump’s Withdrawal

  • The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was signed in 2015 between Iran, the US, EU, and UN Security Council members to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions.
  • Iran agreed to limit uranium enrichment and comply with IAEA monitoring.
  • In 2018, Trump withdrew from the deal, calling it one-sided and claiming it failed to address Iran’s missile program and regional influence.
  • Despite global opposition, the US reimposed sanctions, leading Iran to gradually roll back its commitments to the deal.

Current Status of the Deal & Iran’s Nuclear Advancements:

  • The JCPOA technically remains valid until October 2025, but Iran has continued uranium enrichment beyond agreed levels.
  • Efforts to revive the deal under Biden stalled due to new sanctions, Iran’s support for Russia in Ukraine, and the Israel-Gaza conflict.
  • Iran’s economy has suffered, with currency devaluation, energy shortages, and social unrest, further pushing Tehran to engage in negotiations.
  • Iran has strengthened ties with Gulf Arab states, reshaping Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Why Trump Wants Talks Now?

  • Trump’s 2024 election campaign may be a key factor, as addressing Iran’s nuclear threat could be a foreign policy win.
  • The US is engaging with Hamas for hostage negotiations, bypassing Israel, which could soften Iran’s stance.
  • Trump may seek to offer concessions to Israel on Palestine while reducing Iran’s nuclear risk to stabilize the region.
  • However, a deep trust deficit remains between Iran and the US, as both sides blame Trump for the JCPOA’s collapse.

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) 2015:

Participants:

  • Iran
  • P5+1: Five permanent members of the UN Security Council (China, France, Russia, UK, U.S.) plus Germany
  • European Union (EU): Participated in negotiations

Goals of the JCPOA:

  • Delay Iran’s Nuclear Weapon Development
  • Intended to extend Iran’s nuclear breakout time to at least one year, compared to a few months without the deal.
  • Prevent Regional Crisis
  •  Aimed to avoid preemptive military action by Israel.
  • Prevent a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.