The History of the Iran Nuclear Deal

Iran sought the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to lift the burden of economic sanctions linked to its nuclear program. Under the international agreement, the European Union lifted its sanctions and the United States suspended the application of sanctions. The deal was signed on July 14, 2015, by Iran, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, Germany and the European Union. The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has placed far more emphasis on curbing Iran's activities throughout the Middle East than its predecessor did. By reopening the debate on the JCPOA with the threat of withdrawal, Trump hopes to either rein in Iran's regional meddling or persuade Tehran to broaden the deal to include restrictions on its ballistic missile program and its support of militant groups....