Iran and the United States: Recreating a Strategic Partnership
Abstract
Iran's geographical location, regional influence, large and well-educated population, extensive petroleum resources, and functioning theocratic democracy make it critical for the United States to seek re-creation of a strategic partnership to further U.S. foreign policy goals. Iran used to be a strong regional partner of the U.S. under the Shah of Iran. While U.S.-Iran relations over the last 30 years have exhibited strong hostility, and the Iranians have pursued activities against U.S. interests in the Middle East and South Asia, the two countries share vital interests. These common interests include: a stable Afghanistan and Iraq, an increase in global energy security through development of Iran's oil and gas resources and unimpeded flow of oil through the Persian Gulf, and maintenance of an international nuclear weapons non-proliferation regime to avoid a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. While sharp policy differences exist (resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Iranian support for groups which the U.S. defines as terrorist, etc.), a carefully-structured process of diplomatic engagement could potentially move beyond just reducing tensions to the re-creation of a mutually-beneficial regional strategic partnership between the United States and Iran.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA494903
Entities
People
- Gordon W. Weynand
Organizations
- United States Army War College