Iran and six world powers lead by the U.S., recently concluded a historic deal aimed at ensuring Iran does not develop nuclear weapons in exchange for the easing of economic sanctions.
Here’s what this deal entails:
- Iran will be able to keep its nuclear program for purely peaceful purposes — including electricity and medical treatments.
- Iran agrees to restrict all uranium enrichment and related research and development for the first eight years of the deal.
- Iran reaffirms that it will leak, develop or acquire any nuclear weapon.
- Iran will commit to reducing its existing stockpile of low-enriched uranium by around 98 percent to under 300 kg (about 660 lbs) for 15 years.
In addition, under the deal, all U.N. Security Council sanctions will be lifted, as will other sanctions placed on the country. Iran will gain access to approximately $100 billion in frozen assets.
What’s next for the deal:
- Congress has 60 days to review the agreement. It is expected to encounter strong opposition from Republicans.
- It also needs to be ratified by Iran’s supreme leader, as well as by the U.N. Security Council.
Here are more resources to learn more about this deal: