Timeline: The U.S., Iran And The Nuclear Question

National Public Radio (NPR)

For more than five decades, the U.S. and Iran have negotiated the sensitive terrain of nuclear proliferation.

1957: The United States and its then-ally Iran sign a civil nuclear cooperation agreement as part of the U.S. Atoms for Peace program. The agreement allows the lease of several kilograms of enriched uranium to Iran and calls for cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

1959: The Shah of Iran orders the establishment of a nuclear research center at Tehran University.

1968: Iran signs the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty on July 1, the day it is opened for signature.

1974: The U.S. and Iran reach a provisional agreement for the U.S. to supply two nuclear power plants and enriched uranium fuel to Iran. In the 1970s, Iran pursues other nuclear power deals with Germany, France and South Africa, among other allies. (Read more...)