Reference no: EM13900639

TITLE:  The impact of Iran's development of nuclear energy - What does it mean for the US?

I. Background and Overview of the situation - Iran's development of nuclear energy has

worried officials in the US, Europe, and elsewhere because of the potential consequences of an Iran armed with nuclear weapons.  The European Union has been attempting to negotiate a peaceful resolution of this issue for years and the United Nations has been quite active in the last few months as well, with the Security Counsel resolutions threatening sanctions due to Iranian non-compliance.

1. A history of Iranian-US relations
2. Iranian support for terrorist organizations/foreign governments hostile to the US
3. Iranian claims and US claims regarding Iran's nuclear program

II. The affects of Iran's nuclear program on the US

1. Threat of arming terrorist groups
2. Create instability and Iranian domination of the Persian Gulf
               1. Set off a regional arms race
               2. Lead to new/additional US security guarantees to neighbors who fear Iran

3. Allow Iran to manipulate oil prices, shut off shipping, or attack neighbors free from conventional retaliation of US forces.

III. Possible actions the US can take against Iran

1. Military strike
2. Diplomatic and Economic sanctions
3. Negotiations that include economic incentives
4. Accept a nuclear armed Iran and seek to integrate it into a positive regional

Framework

E.  A mix of the above with the pluses and minuses of each approach.

IV. Recommendations for US policy

1. Work with Security Council to have Iran's nuclear plant monitored
2. Seek to reengage Iran on issues of common concern
   1. Offer joint cooperation on issues relating to Kurdish separatism
   2. Offer to provide economic assistance
3. Work with other concern countries to impose nonmilitary sanctions
   1. Embargoes on nuclear and missile technology
   2. Possible travel bans  on Iranian officials