Why is Iran breaching nuclear deal limits?

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Iran's Breach of Nuclear Deal Limits is a Response to US Sanctions

Iran is breaching the limits of its nuclear deal as a direct response to the stringent economic sanctions imposed by the United States following Washington's withdrawal from the agreement. Tehran has stated its intention to continue violating the deal's stipulations incrementally until the economic benefits originally promised under the agreement are realised. The US, conversely, is pursuing a strategy of isolating Iran to compel it into renegotiating a new, broader deal.
Key Deal Limits Breached

In the two weeks preceding July 10, Iran had already transgressed two critical thresholds established by the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Specifically, its stockpile of enriched uranium surpassed the agreed-upon limit of 202.8 kilograms. Furthermore, Iran proceeded to enrich uranium beyond the 3.67% purity level stipulated in the deal. These breaches are significant as the deal was designed to extend the time Iran would require to produce fissile material for a nuclear weapon to one year, a substantial increase from the previously estimated two to three months.
Iran's Stated Justification

Tehran's position is that its actions are a direct consequence of the severe economic sanctions implemented by the US after its unilateral exit from the nuclear accord approximately one year prior. While the United States has indicated a willingness to engage in discussions for a more comprehensive agreement, Iran has made it clear that its participation is contingent upon the restoration of its pre-withdrawal oil export levels. This impasse has led Iran to declare its intent to progressively violate the deal's constraints until the promised economic advantages are reinstated.
US Strategy of Isolation

Concurrently, the United States is actively working to isolate Iran on the international stage, aiming to exert pressure that would necessitate negotiations. The US called for an emergency meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Board of Governors to address Iran's non-compliance. In a statement, the US emphasised the need for accountability from the Iranian regime for these breaches.
Limited International Action Expected

Despite the US initiative and Iran's breaches, a concrete response from the IAEA board was not anticipated. Diplomats indicated that while the closed-door meeting would likely feature strong exchanges between the American and Iranian representatives, no decisive actions were expected from the board. This is partly due to the IAEA's role as a policing body for the deal, rather than a direct signatory, and the fact that Iran has not violated its Safeguards Agreement with the agency. European parties to the deal, while expressing "deep concern," have also stopped short of initiating processes that could lead to the re-imposition of sanctions, instead calling for an urgent meeting of all parties involved.

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Why is Iran breaching nuclear deal limits?

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