Containing Iran : : strategies for addressing the Iranian nuclear challenge / / Robert J. Reardon.

• Superior document: Rand Corporation monograph series
• Author: Reardon, Robert J.
• Year of Publication: 2012
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Language: English
• Series: Rand Corporation monograph series.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (207 p.)
• Notes: Description based upon print version of record.

Iran's nuclear program is one of this century's principal foreign policy challenges. Despite U.S., Israeli, and allied efforts, Iran has an extensive enrichment program and likely has the technical capacity to produce at least one nuclear bomb if it so chose. This study assesses U.S. policy options, identifies a way forward, and considers how the United States might best mitigate the negative international effects of a nuclear-armed Iran.

Table of Contents

Cover; Title Page; Copyright; Preface; Contents; Figures; Table; Summary; Acknowledgments; Abbreviations; CHAPTER ONE: Introduction; U.S. Interests and Policy Challenges; Objective of the Study; Organization of the Text; CHAPTER TWO: Iran's Nuclear Program: Past, Present, and Future; History of Iran's Nuclear Program; Nuclear Program Under the Shah; Revolution, Rejection, and Revival: 1979-2002; Revelation and E-3 Negotiations: 2002-2006; The P5+1, Ahmadinejad, and UN Sanctions: 2006-2008; A New Administration: 2009-Present; Program Elements and Status; The Fuel Cycle

Major Program Elements and FacilitiesTechnical Problems and Setbacks; Evidence of a Weapons Program; Breakout; What Iran Would Need to Make a Bomb; Possible Breakout Paths; Implications for U.S. Policy; Possible Future Developments and Implications; CHAPTER THREE: Explaining Iran's Nuclear Policy Choices; Iran's Strategic Calculus; External Security Threats; Iranian Expansionism; Negative Security Consequences of Weaponization for Iran; International and Domestic Political Factors; International Prestige; Domestic Legitimacy; Ideology; Domestic Politics and Factions

CHAPTER FOUR: Constraints on U.S. PolicyIsrael; Gulf Cooperation Council; Russia; China; International Nonproliferation Regime; CHAPTER FIVE: U.S. Policy Options; Framework of Analysis; Military Force; Air Strikes; Non-Kinetic Force: Special Operations and Cyberwarfare; Economic Sanctions; Positive Inducements; Containment; CHAPTER SIX: Conclusion; Bibliography