Iranian nuclear energy :

history and advancements

Abstract

As Iran rapidly gains toward the establishment of its nuclear arsenal, discomfort and apprehension are escalating in the world. A proof of Iran’s cutting-edge technology is its latest milestone on the nuclear front. Iran has begun testing its uranium-enriching centrifuges, which has allowed Iran to extract, separate and then enrich uranium at a faster pace. Despite renewed attempts to reinstate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Deal, Iran continues to make headway in the field. This paper aims to objectively report and illustrate the recent advancements in Iran’s nuclear energy. All the while, assessing the political and economic dimension of the nuclear dispute which has brought forth powers from around the world. On one end nations push for Iran’s nuclearisation for their core economic interests, while others, in attempts to further ostracise the pariah, impose economic sanctions. This push and pull of power have materialised into a ‘tug-of-war’, making Iran’s nuclearisation an issue that transcends not only its immediate region but also in the international arena as well. The paper begins by touching upon the historical background of Iran’s nuclear programme that was first pursued in the 1950s, however, it was marked with negligible progress. It was only in the 70s that Iran made progress on this front, along with its ambitious efforts toward the revolution in 1979. This section concludes by discussing the advancements in the 90s and 2000s, with the aim of setting the pace as a prelude to the section that analyses Iran’s nuclear programme today and its implications. The proceeding sections analyse the groundwork that set the pace for the Iran Nuclear Deal. Lastly, the paper discusses Iran’s nuclear technological advancements and the politicaleconomic factors that influence ‘Iran’s Nuclear Crisis.