Abstract:

It is known that, due to the “dual use” nature of nuclear technology countries can divert their nuclear energy programs from peaceful uses to nuclear weapons programs. In this regard, with the aim of controlling nuclear technology we see the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as the most substantial fruit on the international level. NPT which categorizes its parties as the nuclear weapon states (NWS) and non-nuclear weapon states (NNWS) includes wide range of articles from achieving nuclear disarmament to controlling dual use structure of nuclear technology.This study aims to assess the efforts to prevent non-peaceful use of nuclear technology as well as the efforts to enable it peaceful use in the framework of NPT negotiations and three-pillar structure. Firstly, it provides a technical background regarding the dual use structure of nuclear technology and summarizes the attempts to control it during the period until the Treaty came into force. Departing from this point, it evaluates the status of peaceful use issue in the Treaty negotiations and in the three-pillar structure of the NPT. Finally, it assesses this issue in the light of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) which was concluded between permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and Germany (P5+1 countries) and Iran

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