Iran and the United States: Interests, Options, Consequences
Abstract
The September 2006 declaration by the International Atomic Energy Agency that Iran remained in breach of its nuclear arms control obligations, resulted in a hardening of policy positions in Washington and Tehran that continues to the present day. Despite prolonged diplomacy and two United Nations Security Council Resolutions, Iran continues to follow a foreign policy path that raises concerns about its intent and leaves open the possibility of a major crisis. This paper examines the opposing policy positions that underpin the Iranian nuclear dispute and attendant security issues in the Middle East. The research reveals the key factors impacting on decision making include: Iran's intended use of the bountiful strategic harvest it has reaped since 2001; the extent to which the US feels its interests can be satisfied through multilateral responses that currently reflect a lack of resolve; and the influence of US domestic politics on foreign policy development. The paper explores a number of options before concluding that US interests demand stronger containment of Iran, concurrent efforts to generate a more effective international response, and a willingness to preempt an Iranian nuclear weapons capability if necessary.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 02, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA468949
Entities
People
- Andrew A. Nikolic
Organizations
- United States Army War College