Iran ends compliance with nuclear deal, reaffirms diplomatic intent

Iran has announced it is no longer bound by the restrictions of the 2015 nuclear agreement, marking the formal expiration of the deal on October 18, 2025. The accord, signed with six world powers, aimed to curb Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of UN sanctions.

In a statement released Saturday, Iran's Foreign Ministry declared all provisions and restrictions under the agreement "terminated," while reaffirming Tehran's commitment to diplomacy. 

The deal had limited uranium enrichment to 3.67% and placed Iran's nuclear program under strict supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

However, the agreement began to unravel in 2018 when the United States, under then-President Donald Trump, unilaterally withdrew and reinstated sanctions. Iran responded by gradually violating the terms, eventually enriching uranium up to 60%, nearing weapons-grade levels.

Tensions escalated in July 2025 following a 12-day conflict involving Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and retaliatory attacks on Israel. During the conflict, Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA, further raising international concerns.

European nations—France, the UK, and Germany—reactivated UN sanctions in late September, accusing Iran of non-compliance and obstructing inspections. 

Iran, in turn, dismissed these sanctions as void, insisting it remains open to diplomatic engagement and blaming the Europeans for undermining recent efforts to revive cooperation with the IAEA.