Iranian Nuclear Weapons 1

Iran Nuclear Weapons Problem Threaten Israel Threaten other Middle Eastern countries Threaten western countries including the United States Provide nuclear weapons to terrorist groups and countries 2

Alternative Solutions for Iranian Nuclear Program Negotiate reduction Iran nuclear capabilities Strengthen sanctions against Iran Military actions – Bomb Iranian nuclear facilities – Invade Iran 3

Evaluation of Negotiation Alternative Solution Positives Peaceful resolution Low financial costs Collaboration with allies Enables revival of sanctions Reflects U.S. leadership Follows principles for establishing sanctions Negatives Iran untrustworthy Obstacles for inspections Obtains funds to support terrorism Retains nuclear research facilities Israel still threatened 4

Evaluation of Increased Sanctions Alternative Solution Positives Effectiveness of existing sanctions Eliminate all of Iran’s nuclear program Delays military action Low cost Negatives Negotiating partners view increased sanctions as sabotaging agreement Lose cooperation partners Iran not give up nuclear program Israel threatened 5

Evaluation of Bombing Alternative Solution Positives Limited military involvement No troop commitment May protect Israel Negatives Act of war – another U.S. attack on Moslem country Limited ability to destroy facilities Bombing programs effective in support of ground action Lose cooperation partners Likely increasing financial costs May lead to attack on Israel 6

Evaluation of Invasion Alternative Solution Positives Ground presence to find and destroy facilities Protect Israel Reduces overall Iran military threat Demonstrates U.S. military power Negatives Act of war – another U.S. attack on Moslem country Lose cooperation of partners Hostile attacks from Iranian population Overstretched U.S. military Financially costly 7

Recommended Solution Complete Negotiated Agreement Cooperation of Allies High level of inspections Little nuclear materials retained by Iranians 8