2. questions
Why Iran is pursuing nuclear weapon?
What security concerns are driving the
goals and policies of this option?
Where do you see ideology guiding the
goals and policies of this option?
Why international security is so concerned
about Iranian nuclear program
What trade-offs does this option appear to
be willing to make?
3. Background
from enrichment to bomb
Initially from the west: US “Atoms for
Peace” program
U.S.-supplied research reactor began in
1960: Tehran Research Reactor (TRR);
Military initiated in 1984: in response to
Iraq’s Ballistic missiles.
Meetings with AQ Khan middle man in
Dubai in 1987
4. Purpose of Iran’s Nuclear Program
Iranian government claims nuclear fueled
engines/reactors will be used for civilian
purpose such as
medical purposes
Production of fuel
maritime transportation
5. Deception: policy goals
Contrary to Iranian government’s
explanation, some analyst believe that Iran
is pursing nuclear program for balance of
power
Deterrence against Sunny regional states,
india/Pakistan and Israel
Israel has already proved its ability to strike
its potential nuclear rivals- Iraq and Syria,
Iran may be its next target
Strategic rivalry with United States
6. Ideological guiding
Structure of international system: Neo-
realistic approach
Security dilemma: Classical realist
approach
Hobbesian outlook: social constructivist
approach
7. Dual-Use Nature of the Nuclear
Program
Non-Compliance of Iran with Safeguard
agreements
Menace of Enhanced Nuclear
Proliferation
Tit-for-tat Scenario : Nuclear war
8. Trade offs
Crippling economic sanctions:
i. Factories have been shut down
ii. product shortages as well as rising
inflation and increasing unemployment
iii. constricted Iran’s ability to repatriate oil
revenues, to sell oil abroad and to access
the international financial system
generally.
iv. Unable to access to funds held in banks
worldwide