Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA)

The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA was created 14 July 2015 between the Islam- ic Republic of Iran and the P5+1. The final agreement was adopted 18 October 2015 and imple- mented 16 January 2016. The agreement is far more than I ever expected. This paper discusses the early history of the Iranian nuclear program under the Shah and its development after the 1979 revolution. It briefly describes Iran's program to develop nuclear weapons and the discov- ery and announcement of cessation in 2003. I outline the Iranian nuclear facilities and the major points of the JCPOA. I will show how the plan, if all sides adhere to it, will effectively prohibit Iran's possible development of nuclear explosive devises. I briefly describe the diplomatic nego- tiations that led to this remarkable agreement. I also describe the history and present status of the Israeli nuclear program. This agreement has been controversial during the negotiations and af- terwards. It still is vehemently opposed by the Government of Israel, the US GOP, and the Presi- dent.