In a recent parliamentary session on Sunday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei defended a 2020 law that has significantly impacted the resumption of talks regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear agreement. The session also featured President-elect Masoud Pezeskhian, perceived as a reformist, who emphasized the continuation of his predecessor’s policies while signaling eagerness to cooperate with the US to lift sanctions (read more here).
The law, known as the “Strategic Action Plan to Lift Sanctions and Protect the Iranian Nation’s Interests,” was characterized by heightened uranium enrichment levels and reduced independent controls over Iran’s nuclear program. These provisions aim to strengthen Iran’s nuclear capabilities in defiance of US sanctions, which were originally part of the 2015 JCPOA agreement intended to alleviate economic restrictions in exchange for enhanced oversight of Iran’s nuclear activities (full document).
Khamenei’s stance aligns with statements from former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who has similarly endorsed the 2020 legislation. The law continues to be a critical element in Iran’s broader strategy to circumvent international sanctions, including those imposed by Western countries due to its support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite these sanctions, Iran’s oil exports have surprisingly increased, reaching 1.5 million barrels per day in 2024, as reported by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (see analysis).
Further complicating the geopolitical landscape, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has recently raised concerns regarding the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program. The current level of enriched uranium is reportedly sufficient to manufacture nuclear weapons in a matter of weeks, potentially exacerbating global security concerns (detailed report).
For additional context and updates, visit the original article on JURIST.