Assertion $(A)$: The bond dissociation energy increases from $F_2$ to $Cl_2$ and then decreases to $I_2$.
Reason $(R)$: The low bond energy of fluorine is due to the repulsion between the lone pairs of electrons in two fluorine atoms.
The correct option among the following is

• A
  $(A)$ is true, $(R)$ is true and $(R)$ is the correct explanation for $(A)$
• B
  $(A)$ is true, $(R)$ is true but $(R)$ is not the correct explanation for $(A)$
• C
  $(A)$ is true but $(R)$ is false
• D
  $(A)$ is false but $(R)$ is true