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Russia has proposed taking Iran's excess enriched uranium, a move aimed at de-escalating tensions around Tehran's nuclear program.
The offer comes amidst stalled negotiations between Iran and the United States to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Iran has been enriching uranium beyond the limits set by the 2015 nuclear deal, raising international concerns.
The JCPOA sought to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief.
Uranium found in nature consists mainly of two isotopes: Uranium-238 (U-238) and Uranium-235 (U-235). Only U-235 is fissile, meaning it can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. 'Enrichment' is the process of increasing the concentration of U-235 relative to U-238. Low-enriched uranium (LEU), typically 3-5% U-235, is used as fuel for nuclear power reactors. Highly enriched uranium (HEU), usually above 20% and ideally 90% or more U-235, is required for nuclear weapons. The JCPOA limited Iran's enrichment to 3.67% and its stockpile size.
Simple Analogy: Imagine a bag of mixed nuts where only almonds are useful for a specific recipe. Enrichment is like sorting the nuts to get more almonds in your bag. For a simple snack, a few almonds are fine (LEU for power). But for a very special, powerful recipe, you need a much higher concentration of almonds (HEU for weapons).
The UN's nuclear watchdog, responsible for monitoring Iran's compliance with the JCPOA and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It conducts inspections and verifies nuclear material.
Refers to the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States) plus Germany, who negotiated the JCPOA with Iran. The European Union also played a key role.
The JCPOA is seen as a crucial component of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, which the NPT underpins. Iran is a signatory to the NPT.
Sanctions imposed by the UN, US, and EU were a key leverage point in bringing Iran to the negotiating table for the JCPOA. Their lifting and reimposition are central to the deal's fate.
The Iran nuclear issue is deeply intertwined with regional power dynamics, influencing relations between Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and other regional actors.
GS-II: International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests; Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
General Awareness – International Organizations, Important Agreements.
General Awareness – International Affairs, Defence and Security Issues.
Recently, India signed a deal known as 'Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field' with which of the following countries?
Answer: Russia
About three-fourths of world's cobalt, a metal required for the manufacture of batteries for electric motor vehicles, is produced by
Answer: the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States. Statement-II: The 'Arab Peace Initiative' mediated by Saudi Arabia was signed by Israel and Arab League. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Answer: Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
High, especially for UPSC and Defence exams, due to its geopolitical significance and connection to nuclear non-proliferation.
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
Uranium processed to increase the concentration of the fissile isotope U-235.
International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN's nuclear watchdog.
Group of six world powers (China, France, Russia, UK, US, Germany) that negotiated the JCPOA.