Origins of Iran's Nuclear Ambitions
The story of Iran's nuclear program begins in the mid-20th century, during a time of close alliance between the United States and Iran under the rule of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. In 1957, as part of President Dwight Eisenhower's 'Atoms for Peace' initiative, the U.S. and Iran signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement. This pact marked the start of Iran's nuclear journey, with the U.S. providing technical assistance and resources to build the country's first nuclear research facility in Tehran.
The Tehran Research Reactor (TRR), a 5-megawatt thermal light-water reactor, became operational in November 1967. Initially fueled by highly enriched uranium at 93% U-235 supplied by the U.S., the reactor symbolized the strong ties between the two nations during the Shah's pro-Western, secular regime. This facility, still standing today, serves as a monument to that era of collaboration, as noted in recent reports detailing the historical relationship.
Evolution and Shifting Dynamics
By the mid-1970s, the Shah had ambitious plans to expand Iran's nuclear energy capabilities, envisioning a network of reactors to bolster the nation's energy infrastructure. With support from the U.S. and Western Europe, Iran became a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1970, pledging not to pursue nuclear weapons. However, the geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically with the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the Shah and severed the once-close ties with the West.
Post-revolution, Iran's nuclear program took on a different trajectory, often viewed with suspicion by international powers. The Tehran Research Reactor itself underwent changes, converting in 1993 to use 20% enriched uranium sourced from Argentina. While the program's early days were rooted in peaceful cooperation, later decades saw escalating tensions over its intentions and capabilities, a stark contrast to the collaborative spirit of its inception.
Current Context and Challenges
Fast forward to June 2025, recent U.S. military strikes on three of Iran's nuclear facilities have brought renewed attention to this long-standing issue. According to an early U.S. intelligence assessment, these strikes did not destroy core components of Iran's nuclear infrastructure, likely setting back the program by only a few months. The attacks sealed off entrances to two facilities but did not collapse their underground structures, highlighting the resilience of Iran's nuclear sites.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also weighed in, with its director general noting that while the strikes set back Iran's nuclear program, information about the whereabouts of enriched uranium remains unclear. This uncertainty continues to fuel international concern, underscoring how a program once nurtured by U.S. support has become a focal point of geopolitical strife. The historical alliance that birthed Iran's nuclear ambitions now stands in sharp contrast to current efforts to curb its progress.