Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • US-Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • Western Hemisphere
    • NATO
    • China
  • Analysis
    • Policy Papers
    • Symposia
    • Q&A
    • Polls
    • Grand Strategy Explained
    • Target Taiwan
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / Iran / What happened to the Iran nuclear deal?
Iran, Israel‑Iran, Middle East, US‑Israel‑Iran

June 24, 2025

What happened to the Iran nuclear deal?

The United States’ entanglement in Iran and Israel’s current conflict has a long, complicated history. Today we’re looking back at how it led up to the U.S. strikes on Iran over the weekend.

Two major factors: Iran’s nuclear capabilities and economic sanctions, which the U.S. used to deter Iran’s nuclear program and to incentivize Iran to sign on to the 2015 nuclear deal.

“Even people who don’t really believe that sanctions are very effective look at that as an example where it does seem like it mattered to Iran and brought them to the table,” said Rose Kelanic, director of the Middle East Program at Defense Priorities.

On the show today, Kelanic explains some of the history behind tensions between the U.S. and Iran, the role sanctions played in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, and how the deal ultimately broke down.

Later, one listener’s take on the Trump administration’s threats to the Pell Grant program. And, a gardening blogger was wrong about DIY plant food hacks.

Read at Marketplace

Featuring

Rosemary
Kelanic

Director, Middle East Program

Defense Priorities

More on Middle East

Op-edIsrael, Iran, Middle East, US‑Israel‑Iran

Israel is the wild card as the U.S. and Iran work to ink a lasting peace deal

By Daniel DePetris

June 23, 2026

Op-edUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

The U.S. and Iran have a fragile path ahead

By Daniel DePetris

June 22, 2026

Press ReleaseUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Israel, Israel‑Iran, Middle East

Resurrecting the MOU will take real pressure on Israel

By Benjamin Friedman

June 20, 2026

In the mediaUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Israel‑Iran, Middle East

Iran says it is closing Strait of Hormuz, testing fragile agreement with U.S.

Featuring Benjamin Friedman

June 20, 2026

In the mediaUS‑Israel‑Iran, Diplomacy, Iran, Israel‑Iran, Middle East

U.S. push to get Iran talks started hits an early bump due to intense fighting in Lebanon

Featuring Rosemary Kelanic

June 19, 2026

Op-edUS‑Israel‑Iran, Iran, Middle East

Only Iran is happy with Trump’s peace deal

By Daniel DePetris

June 18, 2026

Events on Iran

See All Events
virtualMiddle East, Basing and force posture, Diplomacy, Houthis, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Israel‑Hamas, Military analysis, Syria

Trump in the Middle East: Impacts, implications, and alternatives

May 16, 2025
virtualHouthis, Iran, Israel‑Hamas, Middle East, Yemen

Houthi conundrum: defend, degrade, or defer

March 28, 2024
virtualMiddle East, Iran, Israel‑Hamas, Israel‑Iran, Syria, Yemen

Keeping the U.S. out of war in the Middle East

January 16, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • Experts
  • Papers
  • Symposia
  • Q&A
  • Polls
  • Events
  • Media
  • Donate
  • About
  • Jobs
  • Contact
© 2026 Defense Priorities Foundation. All rights reserved.