The political scientist explained the impossibility of returning to the JCPOA due to the conflict between Israel and Iran.

A return to the parameters of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) looks almost impossible against the background of the armed conflict between Israel and Iran. Dmitry Brije, an expert on international relations and political science, a specialist in the Middle East, shared this opinion with Izvestia on June 16.

He noted that Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure had caused targeted damage to facilities, but the most protected underground complexes continued to function. According to the expert, this can be perceived as a "tactical signal" to Tehran, calling for a review of the previous strategy.

"In response, most likely, there will be no de-escalation, but, on the contrary, an acceleration of enrichment under the pretext of national sovereignty and protection from external aggression. Against this background, the prospects for a nuclear deal between the United States and Iran look increasingly uncertain. It seems almost impossible to return to the parameters of the JCPOA in its previous form," explained Brydje.

According to the expert, the conclusion of a "fragmentary" deal between Tehran and Washington is much more likely. In this case, the level of uranium enrichment in Iran can be formally fixed, and by fulfilling the agreements, Tehran will receive sanctions relief or access to frozen assets, suggested Brydje.

"The Iranian nuclear program today is not just a reaction to external pressure, but a key element of the regime's internal stability. In the context of economic sanctions, growing discontent within the country and instability on the borders, the possession of nuclear potential for Tehran is becoming a fact of survival," the expert concluded.

Eastern rivalries: new countries are involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran

At the same time, prolonging the fighting increases Tehran's chances, experts say.

The IDF press service reported on June 16 that the Israeli Air Force destroyed a rocket launcher and military personnel who carried out the launches near Tehran. It is specified that the troops were eliminated, and the launcher was dismantled. In addition, the IDF confirmed the elimination of four senior Iranian intelligence officials, including the head of the central intelligence agency of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Israel struck Iran on June 13 and declared a state of emergency. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that the purpose of the military operation is to strike at Iran's nuclear infrastructure. In response, Iran launched several waves of missile attacks.