Iran: Current Developments and U.S. Policy
Abstract
While continuing previous U.S. Administrations' policies of containing Iran while pursuing limited engagement with it, the Bush Administration is evaluating whether or not to move toward a regime change policy, and how to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapons capability. During the late 1990s, signs of moderation in Iran had stimulated the United States to engage Iran in official talks. Relations took a downturn when Iran was grouped with North Korea and Iraq as part of the "axis of evil" identified in President Bush's Jan 29, 2002 State of the Union message. The grouping came despite Iran's tacit cooperation with the United States against the Taliban in the post-9/11 war in Afghanistan. Iran also was quietly helpful in the U.S. effort to oust Iraq's Saddam Hussein in 2003, although Iran reportedly is supporting Shiite Islamic factions there that could boost Iran's influence in post-war Iraq. Some Al Qaeda activists are in Iran as well. The Bush Administration has warned Iran not to meddle in Iraq, to extradite any Al Qaeda in Iran, and to curb its nuclear program. The Administration has sought to dampen speculation that the United States might take major military action against Iran to change its regime, but it has indicated support for demonstrators and others in Iran who call for major internal changes. Iran's efforts to acquire WMD, coupled with its support of terrorist groups, have long been key U.S. concerns. The concerns have been heightened recently by reported major strides in Iran's nuclear program. Another U.S. concern has been Iran's opposition to the U.S.-led Middle East peace process since its inception in Oct 1991. Iran continues to provide material support to Hizballah in Lebanon and to Palestinian groups that oppose the Arab-Israeli peace process (e.g., Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad). Thus far, the Bush Administration has continued most aspects of the containment policies toward Iran that characterized preceding administrations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 25, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA476076
Entities
People
- Kenneth Katzman
Organizations
- Library of Congress