US-led western animosity toward Iran has been on-going unabated since the establishment of the Islamic Republic in 1979, but in 2002, it took a turn for the worse.

Accusing Iran of conducting a nuclear program with military dimensions, the US government rallied the world against Tehran; a deliberate act of demonization that led to the imposition of extensive sanctions against the country.

The adoption of six UN Security Council resolutions against Iran, four of which allowed countries around the world to impose sanctions on the Islamic republic, was a direct result of such anti-Iran measures. Tehran�s nuclear and military-related industries, and shipping and banking activities all faced crippling restrictions. Also, tens of Iranian individuals were blacklisted.

When Iran�s president Hassan Rouhani came to power in 2013, the negotiations resumed with more vigor. Two years later, Iran and the world powers signed a comprehensive agreement. The accord provided an opportunity to the negotiating parties to build confidence and to restore normal ties.

The signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action JCPOA between Iran and the P5+1 marked a watershed moment in the world�s diplomatic history. The revocation of six UN Security Council sanctions resolutions against Iran was unprecedented since the world body�s founding.

Many of the restrictions put in place unilaterally by the European Union and some other countries were also rescinded. In return, Iran promised to make certain changes to its nuclear program. But have the two sides been able to carry out all their commitments under the nuclear agreement?

By Press TV