JCPOA’s End Marks a New Era of Distrust in Western Diplomacy
The landscape of Western diplomacy regarding Iran has entered a new epoch marked by skepticism and mistrust, particularly following the end of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Established in 2015, the JCPOA aimed to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions in exchange for easing economic sanctions. However, the agreement has since unraveled, culminating in a profound crisis for Iranian society.
The JCPOA: A Brief Overview
In 2013, Iran engaged in an 18-month negotiation process with world powers, including Germany, France, Britain, the U.S., China, and Russia. This culminated in the JCPOA, intended to limit Iran’s nuclear activities.
- The agreement was signed in 2015, celebrated by many in Iran.
- It aimed to alleviate severe economic sanctions that had hindered the country’s development.
The Turning Point: Withdrawal from the JCPOA
The situation dramatically changed when U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018. His administration sought to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities, igniting a campaign labeled as “maximum pressure.”
- Trump reinstated sanctions that severely impacted the Iranian economy.
- Secondary sanctions were introduced to further constrain Iran’s financial capabilities.
The Aftermath: Increasing Distrust
As sanctions intensified, Iranians faced economic despair. The middle class found themselves particularly hard-hit, with rampant inflation exacerbating financial strain. Teachers like Fatemeh, who had once celebrated the JCPOA’s potential benefits, observed a deterioration in their social and economic standing.
Military Escalations and the Snapback Mechanism
In June 2025, a twelve-day military campaign by the U.S. and Israel targeted Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. This occurred just before further negotiations aimed at restoring the JCPOA.
Subsequently, in August 2025, European powers triggered the snapback mechanism. This reinstated pre-JCPOA UN sanctions, reinforcing a perception among Iranians that the West could not be trusted.
The End of JCPOA: A Shift in Perspectives
As Resolution 2231, which endorsed the JCPOA, expired on October 18, 2025, Iranian leaders articulated a shift in their stance. Iran’s President Abbas Araghchi called for the country to be treated as any other non-nuclear state under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Mikhail Ulyanov, a key figure in the JCPOA negotiations, declared that the agreement “has ceased to exist.” The sentiment in Iran is one of profound disillusionment with Western diplomacy.
Conclusion
The era following the JCPOA’s termination is characterized by a pervasive lack of trust in diplomatic engagements. Many Iranians, once hopeful for international collaboration, now perceive their past optimism as misplaced.
