Obama Paid, Trump Pressured, Biden Lost Control, Trump Solved
The JCPOA was often praised as a diplomatic achievement, but in reality, it offered only temporary limits rather than lasting solutions. The deal imposed time-bound restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities, most of which begin expiring in the 2030s, meaning Iran could simply wait out the clock and legally resume enrichment. More concerning, the JCPOA ignored Iran’s growing missile program and its destabilizing behavior in the region, such as funding proxy militias and terror groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis, likely using some of the estimated $100+ billion in sanctions relief. While the deal included IAEA inspections, access was limited, particularly at military sites, and Iran was granted up to 24 days to comply with inspection requests, enough time to conceal violations. Even after the deal, Iran continued testing ballistic missiles and made statements suggesting a long-term interest in nuclear weapons, eroding trust
How Much Was Iran Paid in Cash Under the JCPOA?
$1.7 Billion in Cash (January 2016)
The Obama administration airlifted $400 million in cash (euros, Swiss francs, and other currencies) to Iran in January 2016, followed by $1.3 billion more later, totaling $1.7 billion.
This WAS NOT technically part of the JCPOA, but it occurred right after the deal was signed and concurrently with the release of American hostages, which raised red flags and criticism.
The $400 million was Iran’s money, originally paid to the U.S. for military equipment before the 1979 revolution. The U.S. froze those funds after the Islamic Revolution. The $1.3 billion was interest.
Sanctions Relief
Beyond the direct cash:
1. Iran was granted access to over $100 billion in frozen overseas assets after the JCPOA went into effect in 2016.
Sanctions were lifted on oil exports, banking, insurance, shipping, and more.
Critics argued that this enabled Iran to funnel more money to terror groups and proxy militias across the Middle East.
2. Uranium Enrichment by Presidential Term
This data is drawn from IAEA reports, expert analysis, and public briefings:
Obama Administration (2009–2017)
Before JCPOA: Iran had about 10,000+ kg of low-enriched uranium (~3.5% enrichment).
By 2015, it was approaching the threshold for nuclear breakout capability (~2–3 months estimated).
After JCPOA (2015–2016):
Iran SHIPPED 98% of its enriched uranium out of the country.
Stockpile dropped to under 300 kg of uranium enriched to no more than 3.67%.
Number of operational centrifuges was cut by two-thirds.
Enrichment activity dropped dramatically under Obama post-JCPOA.
Trump Administration (2017–2021) (As of the end of Donald Trump’s first term in January 2021, Iran had not enriched uranium to the percent needed to create a nuclear weapon.
In May 2018, Trump withdrew from the JCPOA.
By mid-2019, Iran began violating key terms.
But for most of Trump’s presidency:
Iran still stayed BELOW 5% enrichment.
Uranium stockpile slowly grew, but breakout time was still estimated at 6–12 months.
As of Jan 2021 (Trump's final days), Iran had:
About 2,400–2,500 kg of LOW-enriched uranium.
Some enriched up to 20%, but still NOT weapons-grade (90%).
Moderate enrichment growth under Trump, mostly after the withdrawal, but Iran didn’t yet race to weapons-level.
Biden Administration (2021–Present)
After failed attempts to re-enter the JCPOA, Iran’s ENRICHMENT accelerated rapidly in quality. And the stats say the rest.
By 2023–2024:
Iran enriched uranium up to 60% purity, extremely close to weapons-grade.
IAEA estimated Iran had enough 60% enriched uranium to build at least one nuclear weapon in weeks, if further enriched.
Total uranium stockpile under Biden exceeded 4,000–5,000 kg, including material at various enrichment levels. Biden did nothing.
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