In his remarks, Ilan outlined the consequences of Iran’s nuclear efforts, and the trends that are likely to challenge the United States in the Middle East in the years ahead. These include growing Iranian influence over regional politics, expanded proliferations emanating from the Islamic Republic, greater Iranian support for terrorism against Western and American interest, a new arms race among the smaller, weaker countries of the Persian Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean, and a reentrenchment of the current regime in Tehran.

 

“A nuclear arsenal in the hands of Iran’s current theocratic regime will be a source of both regional and global instability,” Ilan warned. “Just as significantly, an atomic Iran can be expected to profoundly complicate – if not completely frustrate – American objectives, both in the region and in the larger War on Terror.”

 

Ilan also told the more than 25 members of Congress in attendance that they key to confronting Iran lies in changing the nature of the regime that will ultimately wielf a nuclear capability. “The goal of the United States should not simply be to contain and deter a nuclear Iran,” since both politics contain serious flaws and impediments.

 

Instead, according to Ilan, the only surefire way for the United States and its allies to eliminate the threat that will be posed by a nuclear Islamic Republic is to “create the necessary conditions for a fundamental political transformation within its borders, through forceful public diplomacy, economic assistance to opposition elements, international pressure and covert action.”

Related Categories: Terrorism; Radical Islam; Democracy & Governance; Iran Freedom Initiative; Iran; Economic sanctions/warfare

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