Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses
Abstract
The Bush Administration has generally continued the Iran policies of previous administrations by attempting to contain Iran while pursuing limited engagement with it. At times, the Administration has appeared to favor a strategy of regime change, although without taking concrete steps in that direction. During the previous Administration, signs of moderation in Iran had stimulated the United States to try to engage Iran in broad, official talks. Relations took a downturn after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States when the issue of international terrorism took center stage. President Bush singled out Iran, North Korea, and Iraq as part of an "axis of evil" in his January 29, 2002, State of the Union message. Since then, common interests in stability in post-conflict Afghanistan and post-Saddam Iraq have led to occasional direct contact. Iran's alleged efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and delivery means, coupled with its support of terrorist groups, have long been key U.S. concerns. The Bush Administration and many in Congress are expressing strong suspicions of Iran's nuclear intentions; these concerns have been heightened by reported major strides in Iran's nuclear program and halting and incomplete cooperation with a strict program of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections and safeguards. Another U.S. concern has been Iran's active opposition to the U.S.-led Middle East peace process, including material support to Hizballah in Lebanon and such Palestinian groups as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Iran was quietly helpful in the U.S. effort to oust Iraq's Saddam Hussein, a long-time Tehran adversary, although Iran reportedly is supporting Shiite Islamic factions there that do not espouse most Western values. Iran's human rights practices and limits on democracy are frequently criticized by U.S. officials and Members.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 20, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA472475
Entities
People
- Kenneth Katzman
Organizations
- Library of Congress