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The Iranian quagmire: How to move forward

Position: Containment and deterrence

The containment solution, although it may not be optimal, is the United States' least bad option in dealing with Iran, writes Lawrence J. Korb.

As Iran continues to fail to provide international inspectors information about and access to its nuclear facilities, the issue of Iran possibly becoming the world’s tenth nuclear power has become one of the most serious foreign policy challenges facing the US and its allies. Moreover, there is little doubt that the Iranians are enriching uranium in violation of UN resolutions. The manner in which this situation is handled will have a significant impact on the greater Middle East, including the peace process; overall US security; and the security of our allies and partners. While nearly everyone agrees that a negotiated solution can provide the best outcome, the real issue is what we should do if a negotiated solution cannot be achieved.

The above excerpt was originally published in Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Click here to view the full article.

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Authors

Lawrence J. Korb

Former Senior Fellow