Iran nuclear deal officially ends as Tehran formally declares the termination of the 2015 agreement, signaling a new phase in its diplomacy. The government stated that all provisions of the deal, including limits on its nuclear program, are no longer in effect. Nevertheless, Iranian officials emphasized their continued commitment to diplomacy.
The announcement comes exactly ten years after the UN Security Council approved the JCPOA under Resolution 2231. The deal aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons while reintegrating the country into the global economy. Iran, the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and China originally signed the agreement in Vienna.
The Iran nuclear deal had faced significant challenges over the years. In 2018, then-U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the pact, reinstating broad sanctions. Iran responded by gradually reducing its nuclear commitments. European attempts to revive the agreement failed earlier this year, particularly after a 12-day conflict triggered by regional strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Following these developments, Iran’s parliament voted to stop cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. In response, Britain, France, and Germany triggered the JCPOA’s snapback mechanism, reinstating UN sanctions. This series of events effectively made the official termination of the deal a formality on Saturday.
European leaders expressed regret over the collapse of the Iran nuclear deal but urged continued dialogue. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that sanctions should not end diplomacy. She stressed that a lasting solution can only come through negotiations.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials indicated a desire for a peace deal with Tehran, though Iranian authorities remain cautious. Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, stated that there is no reason to negotiate with countries that initiated the snapback process.
Tehran insists that its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes only and denies pursuing weapons programs. Western governments and Israel continue to express concerns about Iran’s intentions.
Later on Saturday, Iran plans to make an official statement at the United Nations in New York. Authorities describe this as marking the “end of an era” in Iran’s nuclear diplomacy with Western powers. The termination of the Iran nuclear deal signals a shift in regional dynamics and emphasizes Tehran’s focus on pursuing its national interests independently.