History of Iran’s nuclear program: Timeline

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| Photo Credit: Reuters

The United States and Iran have reached an interim deal aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran’s President signed the agreement on Wednesday (June 17, 2026), seeking to end the West Asia conflict, with Tehran agreeing to dilute its enriched uranium in return for large-scale economic relief.

Under the agreement, Washington has committed to immediately waive oil sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy. The deal also states that once a final agreement is reached on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear programme, the U.S. will facilitate the release of a $300 billion reconstruction fund backed by regional nations.

Iran’s nuclear programme dates back to the 60s, with Tehran maintaining that the programme is intended for peaceful civilian purposes — a claim refuted by the U.S. and other Western nations.

Here is a timeline of tensions surrounding Iran’s atomic programme:

Published - June 19, 2026 09:07 am IST