The Iranian nuclear issue and game theory

Abstract

Iterations triggered by mutual distrust lead to the deterioration of political
relations, fuelling negative spirals. Therefore, nations need to
consider the risks and benefits of adopting cooperation policies. After
a thirty-five year hiatus in diplomatic relations between Washington
and Teheran, the nuclear agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive
Plan of Action (JCPOA) was a historic milestone in relations between
the E3/EU+3 and Iran. However, the change of players in the White
House has led to a scenario whereby the durability of the JCPOA is currently
regarded as unstable. This article provides an analysis that aims
to merge energy, security and political elements, thus finding variables
outside the nuclear legal framework in order to determine other factors
affecting the negotiations and to provide a more complete view of the
Iranian nuclear issue from an international relations perspective.