Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses
Abstract
The Bush Administration has characterized Iran as a "profound threat to U.S. national security interests," a perception generated primarily by Iran's nuclear program and its military assistance to armed groups in Iraq and Afghanistan, to the Palestinian group Hamas, and to Lebanese Hezbollah. The Bush Administration's approach has been to try to prevent a nuclear breakout by Iran by applying coordinated international economic pressure on Iran while also offering it potential cooperation should it comply with the international demands to suspend its enrichment of uranium. The incorporation of diplomacy and engagement into the overall U.S. strategy led the Administration to approve the participation of a high-level State Department official at multilateral nuclear talks with Iran on July 19, 2008, although that meeting, and subsequent discussions, have not resulted in Iran's acceptance of the international offer of incentives. Based on statements during the campaign and since, the incoming Obama Administration is likely to focus more on consistent engagement with Iran and to de-emphasize the potential for U.S. military action or efforts to promote democracy in Iran. During 2006 and 2007, three U.N. Security Council resolutions (1737, 1747, and 1803) imposed sanctions that ban weapons of mass destruction (WMD)-related trade with Iran; freeze the assets of Iran's nuclear and related entities and personalities; prevent Iran from transferring arms outside Iran; ban or require reporting on international travel by named Iranians; call for inspections of some Iranian sea and airborne cargo shipments; and call for restrictions on dealings with some Iranian banks. Further U.N. Security Council sanctions have been considered, although progress was slowed by U.S.-Russia tensions over Georgia in August 2008.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 24, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA490427
Entities
People
- Kenneth Katzman
Organizations
- Library of Congress