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A major international agreement intended to curb the proliferation of nuclear arms has officially terminated, with Tehran declaring the end of the decade-old arrangement.

Landmark Deal Formally Ended

Iran stated on the weekend that it was not obligated by the 2015-era pact, formally known as the nuclear accord, under which global sanctions were removed in exchange for limitations on Tehran's atomic program.

From now on “every one of the terms [of the 2015-era agreement], including the restrictions on the Iranian atomic programme and the associated processes are considered concluded”, the Iranian foreign ministry stated in a official communication.

However, it added that the country “firmly expresses its commitment to diplomacy”.

Context of the Agreement

Concluded in the Austrian capital by Iran, Beijing, Britain, France, Berlin, Moscow and the United States, the agreement sought to end the long-standing diplomatic standoff and signify the beginning of a new era in ties between Iran and the west.

While the agreement officially expires on Saturday, it has been in turmoil for a long time.

Major Events Preceding the Termination

• In 2018, in his initial presidency, President Trump upset his EU partners by unilaterally withdrawing the US from the deal and reimposing restrictions.
• Consequently of the US exit, Iran started increasing its atomic programme.
• EU-brokered talks to resurrect the agreement have not succeeded, and this summer’s bombing raids on Iran by Israel and the United States left prospects for a revival at a record low.

Latest Developments

After the 12-day conflict in last June, Iran’s parliament passed a law to decline to cooperate with the IAEA, the UN’s atomic inspectorate.

That resulted in participants Britain, Berlin and Paris activating the so-called “snapback” mechanism, leading to the reinstatement of the United Nations sanctions.

These automatic measures in effect made a formality of “termination day”, which was scheduled for October 18, precisely a decade after the approval of Resolution 2231.

International Responses

Last month, when the automatic sanctions were implemented, the British, French and German top diplomats stated in a joint statement they would continue to pursue “a fresh diplomatic solution to ensure Tehran never acquires a nuclear weapon”.

The EU's top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, stated the measures “cannot be the conclusion of negotiations” and that “a sustainable solution to the Iran's nuclear problem can only be attained through negotiations”.

Future Outlook

Earlier this week, former President Trump said that he wanted a peace deal with Tehran, while Iran has consistently said it is open to diplomacy with the United States, provided the US government offers guarantees against armed conflict during any possible discussions.

The 3 European nations also recently declared they would seek to resume negotiations to reach a “comprehensive, durable and confirmable agreement”.

However, relations between the Western countries and Iran continue to be strained. The US had already enforced extensive restrictions, including trying to compel every countries to shun Iran's oil. Several rounds of mediated by Oman talks this year between Tehran and the US did not succeed to reach an accord.

The Iranian foreign minister, the deputy foreign minister, commented last week that Iran did “not see any reason to engage in talks” with European nations, considering that they triggered the snapback process.

Longstanding Accusations

European and American authorities and Tel Aviv have for years accused Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear arms, a allegation Iran rejects, claiming its program is power and for peaceful purposes.

Iran is anticipated to mark the official end date with a statement subsequently on the weekend at the United Nations in NYC.