July 14, 2015 — Nuclear deal reached
Iran and six world powers — the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia and China — agree to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in Vienna. Iran accepts strict limits on uranium enrichment and expanded international inspections in exchange for sanctions relief. The deal is later endorsed by the U.N. Security Council.
Jan. 16, 2016 — Implementation begins
International inspectors verify that Iran has met its initial obligations under the agreement. Sanctions relief takes effect.
May 8, 2018 — U.S. withdraws
President Donald Trump announces the United States is leaving the nuclear deal and will reimpose sweeping sanctions under a “maximum pressure” campaign.
May 2019 — Iran scales back compliance
One year after the U.S. withdrawal, Iran begins stepping away from key commitments. International inspectors later confirm Tehran exceeds the deal’s enrichment and stockpile limits.
2021–2023 — Enrichment accelerates
International monitoring reports document Iran enriching uranium up to 60% purity, far above the 3.67% limit set by the agreement.
Mid-June 2025 — 12-day Israel–Iran war
Israel strikes Iran’s Natanz enrichment facility. The confrontation expands into a roughly 12-day conflict that includes U.S. attacks on Iranian targets before a ceasefire is reached.
Late 2025 — Nuclear tensions persist
Iran assesses damage to its facilities while international scrutiny of its nuclear program continues. Diplomatic efforts fail to restore the 2015 framework.
Feb. 28, 2026 — Major escalation
The United States and Israel launch a new large-scale attack on Iran. President Trump says the strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
March 2, 2026 — Nuclear-site damage assessed
International inspectors seek to verify claims about damage to Iranian nuclear facilities and report no confirmed radiation leaks as assessments continue.
This article is written with the assistance of generative artificial intelligence based solely on Washington Times original reporting and wire services. For more information, please read our AI policy or contact Steve Fink, Director of Artificial Intelligence, at sfink@washingtontimes.com
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