Identity, Nuclearization and Resolution of Iran's Nuclear Conflict

In this article the ideational and normative dimensions of Iran’s bid to join the nuclear countries’ club is studied. The main question is: what is the status of identity and ideational concerns in Iranian nuclear conflict and its resolution? Using a qualitative and analytical method, to answer this question, the author tests the hypothesis that non-recognition of identity concerns of Iran by the West in the course of the nuclear conflict has been effective in the conflict’s continuation. In the same way, quelling the Iranian identity concerns in the framework of the arrangements taken within the Joint Plan of Action and Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action has helped resolution of the nuclear conflict. Using the Social Psychology theory, the author further contends that Iran –West identity competition has served as the reason for inclusion of Iranian identity concerns into the nuclear conflict. In other words, the Iran-West identity competition gave significance to the West’s resistance towards Iran’s completion of domestic nuclear fuel cycle as an identity matter and drove it to materialize its nuclear rights despite sanctions and threats.