How Does Trump’s Iran Deal Compare To Obama’s? Here’s What We Know.

Comparison of Trump Administration’s Proposed Iran Memorandum to 2015 JCPOA

When Donald Trump campaigned for president in 2016, he stated his intention to withdraw the United States from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the nuclear agreement reached with Iran in 2015 under President Barack Obama. Trump described the JCPOA as dangerous in a statement issued shortly after its finalization on July 14, 2015. The United States withdrew from the agreement in 2018.

The current administration is preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Iran. The text has not been released publicly. White House officials describe the document as an initial step, to be followed by approximately 60 days of technical talks on implementation details for nuclear-related provisions. Some elements therefore remain under discussion.

The memorandum follows roughly 100 days of direct military conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. This period of hostilities provides the immediate background for the current negotiations.

Uranium Enrichment Limits and Duration

Under the JCPOA, Iran’s uranium enrichment was limited to 3.67 percent, with restrictions on the size of its enriched uranium stockpile. The agreement did not require dismantlement of existing enrichment facilities. Certain limits were scheduled to phase out over time.

Trump stated during the 2016 campaign and afterward that the JCPOA permitted Iran to retain an enrichment capability that could approach weapons-grade levels after restrictions expired. In April 2026, Trump said any new agreement would include no uranium enrichment. On June 15, 2026, he indicated openness to a 15-year suspension of enrichment while stating that lower-level enrichment for civilian use would face permanent limits whose precise percentage remains unspecified.

The disposition of Iran’s current enriched uranium stockpile is still under discussion. Options mentioned by officials include removal, dilution, or transfer to a third country.

Sanctions Relief and Asset Access

The JCPOA provided for the lifting of certain nuclear-related sanctions and the release of Iranian assets previously held abroad. The Obama administration estimated that Iran gained access to approximately $150 billion in previously restricted funds. A separate settlement resolved a pre-1979 military sales dispute, resulting in the return of $400 million in principal plus roughly $1.3 billion in interest, paid in cash.

Trump criticized these provisions, arguing that sanctions relief occurred without permanent changes to Iranian nuclear or regional policies.

The new memorandum leaves open the possibility of sanctions relief and access to frozen assets contingent on Iranian compliance with agreed terms. Administration officials have stated that relief would be tied to verified compliance and have ruled out direct U.S. funding. Reports of a potential $300 billion reconstruction fund have been described by officials as involving third-country investment rather than U.S. appropriations. Vice President JD Vance stated on June 17, 2026, that no U.S. funds would be transferred to Iran under any circumstances.

Ballistic Missile Program

The JCPOA did not include limits on Iran’s ballistic missile activities. Trump stated at the time of the U.S. withdrawal that future agreements should address missile development in addition to nuclear issues.

Current administration statements have not specified whether the memorandum contains missile restrictions. Iranian officials have described their missile program as non-negotiable. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for limits on missile production as part of any final agreement. In a May 2026 interview, Trump indicated that missile caps would be discussed but emphasized prevention of a nuclear weapon as the central objective.

Support for Regional Armed Groups

The JCPOA contained no provisions addressing Iranian support for groups such as Hezbollah or activities in Syria and Yemen. Trump argued that sanctions relief enabled increased funding for these activities.

Administration officials have said the memorandum links economic measures to changes in Iranian regional conduct, including reductions in support for armed groups. Vice President Vance stated on June 17, 2026, that continued Iranian funding for Hezbollah would prevent release of frozen assets. Specific requirements on proxy support have not yet been detailed publicly.

Detained U.S. Citizens

The JCPOA was implemented on the same day in January 2016 that five U.S. citizens held in Iran were released, although the releases were handled separately. The United States simultaneously granted clemency or dropped charges against several Iranian nationals.

It is not yet clear whether the current memorandum addresses U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently held in Iran. At least six such individuals are reported detained, including journalist Reza Valizadeh and Kamran Hekmati, whom the State Department has designated as wrongfully detained.

Current Status of Iran’s Nuclear Program

At the time the JCPOA was negotiated, Iran’s enrichment was capped at 3.67 percent with a stockpile limit of 300 kilograms. A February 2025 International Atomic Energy Agency report stated that Iran’s stockpile had reached approximately 8,294 kilograms enriched to 60 percent. U.S. officials have assessed that Iran could produce weapons-grade material in one to two weeks if it chose to do so, while stating there is no evidence of an assembled nuclear device.

The extent of degradation to Iranian nuclear facilities from U.S. and Israeli military operations conducted earlier in 2026 has not been fully disclosed by either government.

Negotiations are described by both sides as ongoing, with the 60-day technical period still ahead. Iranian officials continue to maintain that their nuclear program remains peaceful and reference a religious ruling by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei against nuclear weapons.