Challenges of Renewing the JCPOA

Renewing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) faces significant challenges, as the agreement now appears to be defunct. The initial intent of the JCPOA was to curtail Iran's nuclear ambitions by providing economic sanctions relief in exchange for reduced nuclear activity. However, after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018, Iran resumed its nuclear program, progressing toward enriched uranium levels that could potentially lead to weaponization. This complex situation is further complicated by the fact that there is little indication the U.S. or its allies can successfully negotiate a new or modified agreement that addresses both current nuclear concerns and the underlying tensions with the Iranian regime.