Iran’s Nuclear Advancement Worries the West: Everything You Need to Know
Iran is on the verge of facing sanctions under the snapback mechanism. France, Germany, and the UK notified in August that Tehran was not complying with the 2015 nuclear deal, triggering a 30-day deadline that ends this month. This could automatically reimpose measures like freezing foreign assets, banning arms deals, and restricting ballistic missile development.
The nuclear program scrutinized
The snapback mechanism was designed to be “veto-proof” within the UN Security Council, preventing Russia and China from blocking it. Iran claims its nuclear program is peaceful, but accumulating over 9,800 kg of enriched uranium raises concerns. The IAEA has criticized the lack of transparency and access to key facilities, especially after recent airstrikes.
A relationship marked by decades of tension
Tensions between Iran and the US date back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with incidents like the hostage crisis and Iran-Iraq war deepening mutual distrust. The 2015 nuclear deal was a diplomatic breakthrough, but US withdrawal in 2018 shattered it. Iran has since restricted international inspections and accelerated its nuclear program, jeopardizing regional stability.
