What should the United States do about the Iran Nuclear program?

Iran Nuclear Program

Iran has had a nuclear program since 1967, starting with the construction of a small research reactor with US help. The Shah had ambitious plans to build several nuclear power plants, and construction of the first reactor in Bushehr began in 1974. The new leaders of the Islamic republic were highly critical of the Shah's grandiose military modernization program and stopped the Bushehr project immediately in 1979. In 1995, Iran signed a deal with Russia to rebuild the nuclear reactor and to provide nuclear technology and expertise. Since then, the United States and Israel have been at the forefront of the campaign to draw attention to the possibility of Iran's access to Russian nuclear technology and its capability to develop a clandestine nuclear weapons program.

Tehran claims that it needs to set aside its gradually diminishing oil and gas resources for export in order to maximize revenues and to prepare for the day when they are depleted. It thus has to invest in the peaceful application of nuclear power in order to satisfy the growing domestic energy demands, and it is cheaper to do so now. There has also been discussion of the sale of electricity to Iran's neighbors. However, the economic argument is open to serious question.

Domestic debate

Pro-nuclear faction

Most of these are defense hardliners who believe Iran should keep all options open. Their arguments are usually based on the need to follow a policy of deterrence and self-sufficiency in view of Iran's isolation by US sanctions, while regional states are arming rapidly. They also argue that Iran cannot rely on arms control agreements, which have been inadequate to guarantee national security. They claim that although Iran has signed most arms control treaties, the United States keeps asking for more transparency.

Anti-nuclear faction

These believe that Iran must rely on arms control and disarmament as the central focus of its national defense strategy. They argue on moral grounds that, since nuclear weapons are inhumane and cannot be used in wars, investing in them is a waste of national resources. They also point to the technological gap and argue that Iran can never catch up with the great nuclear powers. Thus, nuclear weapons could be detrimental to national security by inviting attack. They stress the opportunity cost, arguing that resources are needed to deal with immediate economic ...