TEHRAN, July 13 — The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, remains stalled as diplomatic and military options are weighed by the United States and its allies. The agreement, signed in July 2015 by Iran, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany, originally limited Iran’s uranium enrichment to 3.67% and capped its enriched uranium stockpile at 300 kilograms. The United States withdrew from the JCPOA in May 2018 under President Trump, reimposing sanctions on Iran.
Since then, Tehran has expanded its nuclear program significantly. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran had enriched uranium to 60% purity by April 2024, a level close to weapons-grade material.
The IAEA further reported in February 2025 that Iran now holds 4,500 kilograms of enriched uranium.
Diplomatic pathways remain open
Diplomatic routes to address the standoff include the P5+1 framework — the original negotiating group comprising the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany — or direct talks facilitated by Oman, a country that has mediated between Iran and Western powers since the 1980s. No formal negotiations have resumed as of this writing, but the channels remain available. The UN Security Council could also become involved.
Under Article 39 of the UN Charter, the council may meet to determine a threat to peace and authorize collective action. Any escalation in the Persian Gulf risks drawing in regional allies.
Saudi Arabia hosts U.S. forces at Prince Sultan Air Base, and the United Arab Emirates normalized ties with Israel through the 2020 Abraham Accords.
Military options on the table
The United States has several military options at its disposal, according to available analysis. A carrier strike group could patrol the region. Mine-clearing operations could be conducted using MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters.
A blockade could be enforced under the 1993 Maritime Interception Operations doctrine. Iran could retaliate by mining the Strait of Hormuz, as it did in 1987, or by deploying anti-ship missiles.
The U.S. Central Command conducted a tabletop exercise in March 2025 simulating a closure of the strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The situation remains fluid. Patients should talk to their doctor — or in this case, policymakers should consult their diplomatic and military advisors — as the path forward is not yet clear.
The encouraging part is that diplomatic frameworks and mediation channels still exist, even as tensions persist. No party has formally closed the door to talks, and the mechanisms for de-escalation remain in place.
