The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the Future of Iran’s Nuclear Program

Abstract

Why do states start nuclear weapons programs and under which conditions do they terminate these programs? Answering these questions are essential to asses the potential of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA), which was signed by EU3+3 and Iran in July 2015, to achieve its objectives. Comparative case analyses indicate that the primary factors in termination of nuclear weapon programs include reduction in national security risks and regime change. However, sanctions and supply-side limitations only delay the acquisition of nuclear weapons. This article concludes that JCPOA falls short of eliminating the motives and conditions of Iran to develop nuclear weapons, since new threats have worsened the regional security environment for Iran.

Keywords

Iran, Nuclear Weapon, JCPOA, Sanctions, National Security.

Citation

Bayar, Murat, “The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the Future of Iran’s Nuclear Program”, International Relations, Volume 13, Issue 51, 2016, pp. 81-97.

Affiliations

• Murat BAYAR, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Ankara Social Sciences University