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The Iranian nuclear facility in Bushehr. AP photo.Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran.

RECENT ANALYSIS

  • Jan 7, 2010
    Iran Sanctions Are Counterproductive
    If the United States hopes for the emergence of an environment in Iran where pro-democracy forces may successfully challenge—and one day replace—the current regime, new sanctions are a step in the wrong direction. Poorly designed gasoline sanctions strengthen hardliners’ anti-American arguments and undercut moderates’ calls for internal reform and external engagement with our country, writes Laicie Olson in the East Texas Review.
  • Dec 4, 2009
    Commitment to Nuclear Non-Proliferation: New Directions under the Obama Administration
    In this speech delivered to the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, John Isaacs argues that we have entered an era of great change on nuclear weapons issues. The election of Barack Obama as President has provided an opportunity for unprecedented transformation. If we do not see substantial progress in the next six months, however, the President’s vision will be in jeopardy.
  • Oct 27, 2009
    A Shift in Focus: Changes in the Missile Defense Program
    On September 17, President Barack Obama announced changes in the American missile defense program seeking a more proven and cost-effective system than that introduced by the Bush administration. FPIF spoke with Kingston Reif, Deputy Director of Nuclear Non-Proliferation at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, to understand the reasons for the changes and its effects on American foreign policy.
  • See more articles »

Robert Gard

CENTER EXPERT

Lieutenant General Robert G. Gard, Jr. (USA, ret.)

Chairman
202-546-0795 ext. 2111
rgard AT armscontrolcenter DOT org

Click here to read "Strengthening U.S. Security Through Non-Proliferation and Arms Control: Recommendations for the Obama Administration"

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.

ARTICLES & FACT SHEETS

Jan 7, 2010 Iran Sanctions Are Counterproductive

Oct 27, 2009 A Shift in Focus: Changes in the Missile Defense Program

Sep 17, 2009 President Obama's Revamped European Missile Defense Offers Better Security

Aug 17, 2009 Factsheet: Current Status of Iran's Nuclear and Ballistic Missile Programs

Jun 23, 2009 U.S. Foreign Policy toward Iran in the Obama Era

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 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

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