The Iran Agreement and What Comes Next

• Published in: Policy File 2015
• Main Authors: Golov, Avner, Hellmam, Axel, Rosenberg, Elizabeth
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Subjects: Center for a New American Security; Foreign policy; National security

With the president having secured the congressional votes necessary to ensure the Iran deal enters into force, our elected leaders should turn their attention to America's broader strategy for Iran. On its own, the nuclear pact will not deal with the many challenges Tehran's behavior presents to the Middle East. But a broader strategy that strengthens America's approach to Iran could actually draw support from both deal backers and opponents - and perhaps even join Congress and the Obama administration in common cause. A comprehensive policy to deal with Iran and its regional ambitions would include six elements: (1) clarify the US position on Iran; (2) strengthen deterrence; (3) reassure U.S. partners; (4) reduce Iran's regional influence; (5) retain the sanctions lever; and (6) strengthen enforcement. The challenge posed to regional stability by Iran's behavior requires real and immediate action. That, in turn, means that America and its partners must deal with Tehran from a position of strength. That strength would be undermined by a prolonged period in which the administration and congressional Democrats merely tout the deal's upsides, while Republicans focus only on its drawbacks. The vote counting may have reached its conclusion, but the debate over this new era of Iran policy is just beginning. By working together to strengthen the American approach to Iran, Congress, and the administration may find, despite their deep disagreements, an opportunity to work together to protect and advance U.S. national security.