UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Iran, U.S. blame each other as talks fail

Q1. In the context of the international negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme, the term 'P5+1' refers to which one of the following?

  • A. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council together with Germany
  • B. The five nuclear-weapon states recognized under the NPT together with Iran
  • C. The five members of the Gulf Cooperation Council together with the United States
  • D. The five founding members of the IAEA together with the European Union

Q2. With reference to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which of the following is/are correctly identified as a recognized nuclear-weapon State under the Treaty?

  1. France
  2. China
  3. Germany
  4. Israel
  • A. 1 and 2
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 4

Q3. The Strait of Hormuz is the principal maritime export route for petroleum from several producers of the Persian Gulf region. Which of the following is/are correctly identified as such producers whose oil exports transit the Strait?

  1. Iraq
  2. Kuwait
  3. Egypt
  4. Qatar
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 4
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q4. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran's nuclear programme was finalized in which year?

  • A. 2013
  • B. 2014
  • C. 2015
  • D. 2016

Q5. With reference to two major maritime chokepoints — the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb — consider the following statements: 1. The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, whereas the Bab el-Mandeb links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. 2. Along the Strait of Hormuz, Iran controls the waters to the north of the shipping lanes while Oman controls those to the south. 3. The Strait of Hormuz is the only sea channel connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, whereas the Bab el-Mandeb links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
  2. Along the Strait of Hormuz, Iran controls the waters to the north of the shipping lanes while Oman controls those to the south.
  3. The Strait of Hormuz is the only sea channel connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q6. As recognized in the context of the NPT, how many countries have never signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons?

  • A. Two
  • B. Three
  • C. Four
  • D. Five

Q7. The following statements compare the NPT with the 2015 JCPOA. Consider them: 1. The NPT recognizes five nuclear-weapon States, whereas the JCPOA was an agreement concerning specifically Iran's nuclear programme. 2. Under the JCPOA, Iran agreed to cap its uranium enrichment at 20% purity. 3. The United States withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The NPT recognizes five nuclear-weapon States, whereas the JCPOA was an agreement concerning specifically Iran's nuclear programme.
  2. Under the JCPOA, Iran agreed to cap its uranium enrichment at 20% purity.
  3. The United States withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q8. With reference to India's economic and connectivity interests in the Persian Gulf region, which of the following is/are correctly identified?

  1. The Shahid Beheshti terminal of Chabahar port in Iran is being developed with the involvement of India Port Global Limited.
  2. The International North–South Transport Corridor links the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea via Iran.
  3. Chabahar port is envisaged as India's gateway for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
  4. India presently routes about 70% of its crude oil imports through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2, 3 and 4
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q9. Which one of the following maritime chokepoints handles the largest share of the world's seaborne crude oil trade?

  • A. Strait of Malacca
  • B. Strait of Hormuz
  • C. Bab el-Mandeb
  • D. Suez Canal