برنامه هستهای ایران — از اتمهای شاه برای صلح تا امروز
Iran's nuclear program began in 1957 under Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi through the US 'Atoms for Peace' program — the same program that initiated civilian nuclear programs in many countries. Iran signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1968. After 1979, the program continued under the Islamic Republic despite US opposition.
In 2002, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) revealed that Iran had been secretly building uranium enrichment facilities at Natanz and a heavy-water reactor at Arak. This disclosure sparked international concern and more than a decade of negotiations. International sanctions severely damaged the Iranian economy.
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA or Iran nuclear deal) was signed in July 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (US, UK, France, Russia, China, Germany). Iran agreed to limit enrichment to 3.67% and allow inspections; sanctions were lifted. The US withdrew in 2018 under Trump, and Iran progressively exceeded JCPOA limits. By 2024-2026, Iran was enriching uranium to 60-84% — approaching weapons-grade levels.
Iran's nuclear program began in 1957 under the Shah with US support through the 'Atoms for Peace' program. Iran signed the NPT in 1968. After 1979, the Islamic Republic continued and secretly expanded the program.
The JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, 2015) was an agreement between Iran and six world powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China, Germany) to limit Iran's uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. The US withdrew in 2018; Iran began exceeding its limits shortly after.