U.S.-Iranian Relations: The Road Ahead
Abstract
Following World War II, Iran had a strong partnership with the United States under the government of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, who was more commonly known as the Shah of Iran. Since 1978, the U.S.-Iranian relationship has been poor at best and even hostile at times. Reestablishing a U.S.-Iranian partnership would be beneficial to both countries for political and economic reasons. A review of U.S. policy toward and interactions with Iran over the last half century reveals two key issues that complicate a new and better U.S. relationship with Iran: Iran's ambition to develop nuclear weapons and Iran's support of groups that the United States regards as terrorist organizations. In counterpoint, Iran has two key concerns regarding U.S. policy toward Iran. The major Iranian concern is potential U.S. military action against Iran to change the current regime. The second major Iranian concern is the growing power requirements in Iran. Iran has a population growth rate of 6-8 eight percent annually; its energy needs cannot be met by oil and gas alone. U.S. sanctions against Iran have had a major impact on the Iranian oil industry, leaving much of the oil infrastructure in disrepair. Because oil and gas are major Iranian exports, Iran wants to preserve them to optimize their value. Nuclear power plants could easily solve Iranian power requirements while freeing their oil and gas resources for profitable trade. While these contentious issues divide the two countries, there also are several issues in which the two countries have common interests: a stable and peaceful Iraq and Afghanistan, development of Iranian oil and gas resources, and clear access to the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. These common interests can be the cornerstone for a new and mutually beneficial relationship. This paper describes key policy differences between the two countries, and concludes with policy recommendations to improve U.S. strategic relations with Iran.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 11, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA519899
Entities
People
- Iraj Gharagouzloo
Organizations
- United States Army War College