This document discusses Iran's nuclear program and the concerns surrounding it. It asks questions about why Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, what security concerns are driving their policies, and what ideological factors are guiding their goals. It provides background on Iran's nuclear program starting in the 1960s. While Iran claims its program is for civilian purposes only, some analysts believe Iran wants nuclear weapons for deterrence and strategic rivalry with countries like Israel, India, Pakistan, and the United States. Allowing Iran to have nuclear weapons could lead to nuclear proliferation, non-compliance with safeguard agreements, and potential nuclear war through escalation. Iran faces severe economic sanctions as a result of their program that have damaged their economy.

1. Somia badar

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

9. Thank you!