Rethinking U.S. Policy Toward Iran's Nuclear Programme

A period of Western support for Iran’s nuclear programme gave way to opposition by the same world powers, when it was realised that alongside civilian use, the Islamic Republic was also pursuing a nuclear weapons programme. Driven by Tehran’s policy of aggression, in the Middle East and elsewhere, W...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Central European journal of international & security studies 2014-01, Vol.8 (4)
Main Author: Surulola James Eke
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Coordination
Islam
Nuclear weapons
Sanctions
Uranium
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:A period of Western support for Iran’s nuclear programme gave way to opposition by the same world powers, when it was realised that alongside civilian use, the Islamic Republic was also pursuing a nuclear weapons programme. Driven by Tehran’s policy of aggression, in the Middle East and elsewhere, Western states with coordination from the US intensified pressure on Iran to discontinue the perceived weapons dimension of its nuclear programme. Years of stifling economic, scientific and military sanctions, rather than halt uranium enrichment in Iran, resulted in the adoption of a more clandestine approach to the country’s nuclear programme. Though US led restrictions have slowed down the pace of its nuclear development, they have been unable to compel Tehran to come out clean on its nuclear objectives. This work suggests that the policy of restrictions be reshaped in such a way as to limit the effect on ordinary Iranians who are identified here as possible drivers of change. Seeking their support is crucial to the success of global efforts aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, hence the need to restructure restrictions.
ISSN:1802-548X
1805-482X