All You Need to Know on Nuclear Deal

July 20, 2015

On July 14, 2015, Iran and the world's six major powers - Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States - reached a final deal to limit Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. The agreement was formally adopted on Oct. 18, 2015. It was implemented on Jan. 16, 2016, after the U.N. nuclear watchdog determined Iran had taken the necessary steps to scale back its nuclear program. The following list contains the text of the deal, reactions from officials, and other resources on the agreement.

Finalization Day, July 14, 2015: Iran and the P5+1 announce the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). The nuclear deal is sent to the United Nations for endorsement. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Yukiya Amano and Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Ali Akbar Salehi agreed on a road map to resolve “past and present outstanding issues” on Iran’s nuclear program.

 

U.N. Endorsement, July 20, 2015: The U.N. Security Council passes Resolution 2231. The UNSC endorses the deal, but re-imposes sanctions on ballistic missiles and conventional arms.

 
 
 
Reactions
 
United States 
Iran
 

Congressional Review Period, July 20 -- Sept. 17, 2015: Congress reviews the deal. Senate Democrats block a Republican-led effort to reject the agreement. 

 
Parliamentary Review Period, Aug. 19 -- Oct. 13, 2015: Iranian parliament review period. Parliament appoints a 15-member committee to review the agreement. On October 13, lawmakers pass a bill in support of implementing the deal, with a vote of 161-59. The Guardian Council then ratifies the legislation.
 
U.N. Report on Possible Military Dimensions, December 2015: The U.N. nuclear watchdog decided to close the inquiry into the possible military dimensions of Iran’s nuclear program. The unanimous decision by the 35-nation group ended the 12-year probe while allowing inspectors to continue monitoring Tehran’s program.
 
Adoption Day, Oct. 18, 2015: Adoption Day signaled the starting point for Iran and the world's six major powers to begin preparing to implement their commitments under the agreement. Iran began dismantling parts of its nuclear infrastructure, while the United States and European Union began preparations to lift certain sanctions.
 
Implementation Day, Jan. 16, 2016: The IAEA confirmed that Iran took the necessary steps to start implementation of the nuclear deal. The United States, European Union, and United Nations lifted or suspended certain sanctions. Iran also regained access to the international financial system, repatriated billions of dollars in frozen assets abroad, and returned to the oil market.
 
 
 
 
Resources