The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is a major diplomatic breakthrough for Iran and P5+1 (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, plus Germany). The deal is arguably one of the most significant diplomatic achievements of this century.

The JCPOA officially recognizes Iran as a nuclear power, while highlighting Iran’s commitment to developing its nuclear program strictly for peaceful purposes. Despite the significance of this achievement, the JCPOA now faces strong opposition from the Republican Party and pro-Israeli lobby in the United States, as the nuclear deal is currently under a 60-day congressional review.

The opposition to the JCPOA is spending millions of dollars to promote false information about Iran and its nuclear program, while simultaneously spreading Iranophobia. As a result, the counter-argument to the opposition is significantly important.

Unfortunately instead of an honest debate that focuses on the context of the JCPOA, the debate within the United States continues to focus on scare tactics and Iranophobia. Americans opposed to the deal repeatedly state the JCPOA paves the way for Iran to develop a nuclear weapon and endangers America’s regional interests and allies. On the other hand, some of the most influential supporters of the JCPOA in the United States, including President Barack Obama, emphasize that the deal pushes back Iran’s ability to acquire nuclear weapons, while the only alternative to this deal is war.

Although the JCPOA is the best insurance that the Iranian nuclear program will not be used to develop nuclear weapons in the future, the fact that should be emphasized is Iran’s efforts to continually prove to skeptics that their program was and always will be for peaceful.

Iran has never expressed an interest in acquiring a nuclear weapon, nor is there any verifiable evidence to suggest that the Iranian nuclear program contains a weapons component. Moreover, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei issued a fatwa that it is forbidden in Islam to develop, stockpile, or use nuclear weapons. Furthermore, President Obama told critics that Iran will face “the most robust and intrusive inspections and transparency regime ever negotiated for any nuclear program in history”.

Taking this into account, the JCPOA should be viewed as one of the strongest pieces of evidence indicating that the Iranian nuclear program has been, is, and will continue to be strictly used for peaceful purposes.

The problem with the U.S. debate is that both sides present Iran in the same negative image. Defending the JCPOA by claiming the only alternative is war or that without the deal Iran will acquire a nuclear weapon within months is counterproductive. This type of defense actually helps promote the neo-conservative Republicans and Israeli interest groups justify their false image of Iran as an untrustworthy, dangerous, and warmongering nation. Furthermore, they are advocating for war; therefore, claiming that the only alternative to the JCPOA is war, will only further increase their opposition to the nuclear deal.

As a result, it is critical for JCPOA supporters to reiterate that this deal verifies the legitimacy of the Iranian nuclear program and serves as proof of Iran’s commitment to diplomacy and peace. Iran is not seeking a nuclear weapon, nor does it project an imminent threat to American allies or interests in the region; thus, the justification for war does not exist.

Iran has worked harder than any other country in the world to prove its nuclear program is for peaceful means. Iran should be recognized and rewarded for its commitment to peace and development, rather than being falsely painted as a country that is eager to wage war and destruction. Therefore, supporters of the JCPOA should continue to promote the truthful image of Iran as a peaceful nation and defend it against the false accusations that promote Iranophobia.



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It is critical for JCPOA supporters to reiterate that this deal verifies the legitimacy of the Iranian nuclear program and serves as proof of Iran’s commitment to diplomacy and peace.