U.S. Strategy for Iran Following Its Achievement of Nuclear Weapon Capability

Written from the perspective that Iran has already obtained a nuclear weapon capability, this research paper addresses three questions with respect to Iran. Why does the Iranian leadership behave the way it does? What does Iran perceive it will gain with its nuclear weapons? And finally, how should the U.S. respond? Answers to the first two questions are based on observed historical events that build a basic understanding of the nature and logic behind Iran's behavior. The proposed U.S. response is based on the analysis that the Iranian regime's behavioral tendencies are pragmatic and likely to remain consistent with their past actions.