ELN’s current policy work on Iran provides support and ideas for multilateral nuclear diplomacy with Iran, in order to uphold nuclear non-proliferation in the Middle East, and reduce the risks that regional insecurity will result in a regional nuclear arms race. The region is at a tipping point that could pose severe risks to the non-proliferation regime globally. To reduce these risks, ELN brings together experienced practitioners and experts from the ELN’s network alongside seasoned diplomats and regional policymakers, in order to provide nuanced and well-informed analysis, and constructive policy recommendations, for all those engaged in nuclear diplomacy and nonproliferation.
What?
Activities include:
Why?
In a climate of growing risks to the non-proliferation regime, the Iranian nuclear programme and the possibility of a wider Middle Eastern nuclear arms race present critical risks to international security. Despite some diplomatic fatigue with longrunning efforts to revive the JCPOA, the issue of nuclear diplomacy remains vitally important both for nonproliferation globally and for conflict prevention in the Middle East. The ELN’s work helps to keep it on the policy agenda.
How?
The project situates the Iranian nuclear programme within the broader global context of nuclear non-proliferation laws and diplomacy, while also assessing the specific regional political conditions that affect nuclear diplomacy.
It engages experts from Iran, the P5+1 countries and other European and Middle Eastern countries for a holistic view of the different perspectives and interests involved.
The project keeps abreast of debates among Iranian scholars, officials and the media on issues relevant to nuclear diplomacy through regular analysis of Persian-language sources
Following the recent US–Israeli strikes on Iran and the subsequent regional escalation, Europe’s response has been mixed. As the conflict widens, we ask members of the ELN Network how they assess Europe’s approach so far and what role European governments should be playing.
While Israel and the US achieved meaningful operational successes against Iran’s nuclear programme in June 2025, the problem is far from resolved. Despite substantial damage to Iran’s infrastructure, Tehran can still—at least theoretically—move toward a nuclear weapon. As US and Iranian negotiators are due to meet this Friday in Oman for direct talks, Danny Citrinowicz from INSS writes that while military action can buy time, it cannot substitute for a broader strategy. Any sustainable approach to the Iranian nuclear challenge will require a combination of deterrence, diplomacy, intelligence, and clear political objectives regarding the desired end.
The ELN’s first impact report details the organisation’s accomplishments in reducing the risk of existential conflict and the power of our unique network, even at moments of deep geopolitical tension.
Any sign that Iran is rebuilding its nuclear and missile programme would likely push Israeli decision makers to order the next major attack against targets in Iran. But this would require the consent of the Trump administration, writes Meir Javedanfar. The Israeli government considers its ability to get Trump to join the war in June a considerable accomplishment and will unlikely want to sacrifice this achievement by angering Trump, especially as the next US-Israel military-assistance MOU is up for renegotiation.
By the end of August, Britain, France, and Germany have to decide whether to invoke the “snapback” mechanism, which would automatically restore pre-2015 UN sanctions on Iran. Hamidreza Azizi writes that a narrow path remains open for those willing to take it. He proposes a roadmap for phased cooperation with the IAEA, anchored in a parallel diplomatic track with Europe and the US. The window for such an approach may close within weeks; quick action on both sides is essential.
The possible fallout from the recent strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities requires sustainable approaches to nuclear non-proliferation that go beyond ad hoc solutions, writes Almuntaser Albalawi. Any new diplomatic solution should be embedded within a broader, long-term strategy that includes steps toward a regional arms control framework in the Middle East, addressing the underlying drivers of proliferation. The international community should continue supporting initiatives that sustain dialogue and strengthen regional partnerships.
