Iran’s nuclear program
The deal reached with Iran would limit its ability to enrich uranium or produce plutonium and will subject its nuclear facilities to extensive inspections. In return, Iran will get relief from sanctions. The final wording of the agreement is expected to t
Iran’s nuclear facilities: The three sites that received the most attention in the negotiations were Natanz, Fordow and Arak.
1. Natanz: Uranium enrichment limited
Iran's chief uranium enrichment site holds more than 16,000 centrifuges. Iran will be allowed to operate just over 5,000 under the terms of the deal. It will be allowed to enrich uranium to only 3.67%, well short of bomb-grade.
2. Fordow: To be converted to research purposes
A deeply buried site built to withstand airstrikes, it currently holds almost 3,000 centrifuges.
3. Arak reactor: To be redesigned and rebuilt
The reactor, designed to produce enough plutonium for two weapons a year, will be destroyed or shipped out of the country. Iran will be allowed to build a heavywater research reactor that will not produce weaponsgrade plutonium.
4. Parchin military complex: Inspections
Iran’s military conducts research here. International inspectors have long sought access to see whether it has been used to test components for nuclear explosives. Iran has resisted inspections.
5. Esfahan: Inspections
Iran operates four small Chinese-built nuclear reactors at a facility near Esfahan, and a plant that converts uranium ore to prepare it for enrichment.
6. Tehran research reactor: Medical isotopes
This aging reactor, supplied to Iran by the United States in 1967, produces medical isotopes. It is unclear whether its operation will be affected by the deal.
7. Bushehr nuclear power plant: Not part of negotiations
Iran's only nuclear power plant began generating electricity in September.
8, 9 & 10. Gachin, Yazd and Saghand: Increased monitoring
Iran has uranium mines at these three locations, all of which will be subject to international monitoring under the agreement.