Iran
The Iranian nuclear facility in Bushehr near Tehran. AP photo.
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RECENT ANALYSIS
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Dec 17, 2008
Strengthening U.S. Security Through Non-Proliferation and Arms Control: Recommendations for the Obama Administration
In 2008, the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation sought input from 60 scientists, academics, members of Congress, senior congressional staffers, and representatives from advocacy groups, think tanks, and foundations to assess the priorities for the next Administration on nuclear arms control and non-proliferation. This report summarizes the consultations. -
Dec 1, 2008
It's Not Hillary, It's the Policy Stupid!
Those of us eagerly awaiting relief from the debacle called the Bush administration should avoid getting swept up the in DC parlor game of who is getting what position in the new administration and focus instead on the fundamental changes we need the Obama administration to start making. In short, "It's the Policy Stupid!" -
Dec 1, 2008
Obama and Clinton: More Agreement than Disagreement on Foreign Policy
President-elect Barack Obama announced on December 1 that he will nominate Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) to be Secretary of State. Exaggerated reporting notwithstanding, the fact is that when it comes to foreign policy, Obama and Clinton agree far more than they disagree. In this analysis, executive director John Isaacs compares Obama and Clinton on Iraq, Iran, missile defense, North Korea, and nuclear nonproliferation. - See more articles »
For the past several years, Iran has been under intense scrutiny from the international community over its nuclear program. While Iran's intentions are unclear, its failure to declare all nuclear facilities and materials in a timely fashion has led to increased concerns that Iran intends to develop nuclear weapons.
Most Iran specialists, including nationally recognized experts at the Center, believe that the main factor driving Iran's interest in nuclear technology - be it civilian or military - is national pride. Unfortunately, United States policy has been to publicly threaten and insult Iran while taking provocative actions such as adopting a policy of regime change, attempting to increase unilateral sanctions, deploying additional military assets in the region, and arresting Iranian representatives in Iraq. Such policies are counterproductive, strengthening Iranian hardliners and weakening the position of anti-nuclear and pro-democracy elements in Iran.
Iran does not pose an imminent threat to the U.S. and is unlikely to do so for years, perhaps as long as a decade according to American intelligence estimates. There are numerous challenges - including mastering the nuclear fuel cycle - on the road to developing a nuclear weapon. Building a nuclear warhead and placing it on a suitable delivery vehicle, a process sometimes referred to as "weaponization," is a difficult endeavor requiring technologies Iran has not even started working on.
There is ample time for the United States, Iran, the IAEA, and other interested parties to resolve the nuclear dispute through diplomacy. Military force should not be contemplated at this time and should be considered in the future only if it meets basic requirements - including support from Congress and the U.N. - and is judged to be a net advantage to U.S. interests.
FY2009 DEFENSE BUDGET ANALYSIS
Sep 25, 2008 Analysis of FY2009 Defense Appropriations in the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act (CR) for FY2009
Sep 24, 2008 Analysis of House-Senate Agreement on the FY2009 Defense Authorization Bill (S.3001)
Apr 22, 2008 An Exercise in Futility: State Department 'Democracy Promotion' Funding for Iran
Feb 4, 2008 The FY 2009 Pentagon (DOD) Defense Budget Spending Request
ARTICLES & FACT SHEETS
Jul 7, 2008 Is Iran Currently an Existential Threat to the United States? A Side-By-Side Comparison of Military Capabilities
Jun 9, 2008 Prominent Calls for Diplomacy with Iran
Apr 30, 2008 Time for a Diplomatic Surge with Iran
Apr 22, 2008 American-Iranian Relations: A Code of Conduct and Guide for Action
Apr 22, 2008 An Exercise in Futility: State Department 'Democracy Promotion' Funding for Iran
Apr 11, 2007 Risky Business: Why Attacking Iran Is a Bad Idea
ADDITIONAL READING
- Iran Nuclear Timeline
An overview of Iran's nuclear program from its inception in 1957 until the present day. Many entries contain links to source documents from the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency. - Divestment: The Wrong Answer for Dealing with Iran
This resource outlines some of the main reasons why divestment is not an effective long-term U.S. strategy for dealing with Iran's nuclear program. - Position Statement on the Iranian Nuclear Issue
Read a detailed explanation of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation's position on the Iranian nuclear program. - Congressional Research Service, "Iran's Nuclear Program: Status," updated June 23, 2008.
- Congressional Research Service, "Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses," updated May 28, 2008.