Vol. 7 No. 2 (2024): Pakistan Journal of International Affairs
Articles

JCPOA AND IRAN’S STRUGGLE FOR POWER IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Published 2024-06-20

Abstract

This research paper aims to explore the implications of Iran’s nuclear deal on the growing influence of Iran in the Middle East. It also tries to investigate the reasons of the US withdrawal from the Iran’s nuclear deal and its alliance with the Saudi-Arabia to balance out the increasing dominance of Iran in the region. In 2015, a deal was secured among P5+1 (China, United States, Russia, France, Britain and Germany) and Iran, named as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) which was endorsed by the UN Security Council Resolution 2231. A 159 pages agreement directed that the commitment of Iran with JCPOA would be verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Complying to the requirements that were set forth in the agreement Iran dismantled much of its nuclear activities by giving more excess to IAEA and arm race in the Middle East was expected to slow down. American President Donald J. Trump on May 8th, 2018 announced the withdrawal from its nuclear deal and putting more sanctions on the regime. The nuclear non-proliferation in the Middle East was disrupted