Preventing Iranian Nuclear Proliferation: A New U.S. Policy Towards Iran
Abstract
A cache of Iranian-made explosives is found in Iraq. Iranian speed boats harass U.S. Naval ships in the Straight of Hormuz and threaten violence. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad threatens to wipe Israel "off the map." The terrorist organizations Hezbollah and Hamas receive Iranian support. In recent years, Iran has been a thorn in the side of the United States' foreign interests. Iranian military actions and political posturing have been bold, yet with the prospect of gaining a nuclear weapon, Iran will certainly become bolder and eventually possess a catastrophic capability. A nuclear-capable Iran in an already unstable Middle East must be prevented. Because global attempts to curb Iran's nuclear proliferation have failed, the United States must immediately develop a bold policy to end Iran's uranium enrichment and stabilize the Middle East. A new comprehensive policy toward Iran should include diplomacy, economic sanctions, and the use of force as a last resort. Iran's nuclear proliferation must be prevented, even if it means a military strike against Iranian nuclear facilities. Direct diplomacy with Iran, along with stronger economic sanctions by the international community, will bring Iran to the bargaining table. Most importantly, oil is Iran's greatest source of economic security and its greatest vulnerability. Thus, economic sanctions must include a ban on Iran's oil exports.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 20, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA511264
Entities
People
- G. M. Shorr
Organizations
- Marine Corps University