Iran – Cautious Optimism

On Saturday 16 January, just six months after the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was agreed between Iran and the P5+1 countries, the International Atomic Energy Agency verified that Iran had taken the measures required to allow for the lifting of international sanctions.

JCPOA "Implementation Day" marks the beginning of a new chapter in relations between Iran and the international community following years of crippling sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear programme. Implementation of the JCPOA removes significant portions of the sanctions framework put in place by the United Nations, the European Union and the United States in exchange for on-going assurances from Iran regarding the peaceful and civilian nature of its nuclear programme; its commitments not to pursue certain weapons proliferation activities; and Iran allowing monitoring of compliance with these commitments.