Here’s a look at Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Since 2003, worldwide concern over Iran’s nuclear program has increased as Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) spar over investigation and details of Iran’s program. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has repeatedly denied Iran is building a bomb and says weapons of mass destruction are forbidden under Islam. Timeline 1958 – Iran joins the IAEA. 1967 – The Tehran Nuclear Research Center, which includes a small reactor supplied by the United States, opens. 1968 – Iran signs the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Mid-1970s – With US backing, Iran begins developing a nuclear power program.