Iran and nuclear weapons

As tensions grow once again in the Middle East, it is generally assumed that a nuclear-armed Iran would be a nightmare. I am not so sure. Instead of isolating the country further and fuelling anti-Western sentiment, the international community should end its sanctions and seek to integrate Iran into the global economy. In particular, visa procedures should be streamlined and student exchanges promoted – measures that would make young Iranians feel welcome in the world.

Meanwhile, the United States should deploy a range of tactical nuclear weapons to the Persian Gulf while maintaining its strategic nuclear deterrent. It should also state, in no uncertain terms, that if Iran were ever to use nuclear weapons, the country would be annihilated within hours. Knowing this, any attack on, for instance, Israel would be utterly suicidal. At the same time, the fact that Iran possessed nuclear weapons would make it equally clear to the United States and others that they could never risk a pre-emptive strike. In essence: terror balance.

As tensions diminished through increased economic and cultural integration, Iran’s days as a theocracy might hopefully be numbered.

Do you agree? If not, why? Because of the assumption of rationality on the part of all parties? Or for some other reason? I freely admit that my understanding of Iran is limited. At the same time, current policies do not seem to be working either. A pre-emptive strike at this stage would clearly be a recipe for disaster – not the end of conflict, but the beginning of one that could drag on for decades, as a humiliated Iran would retaliate.