The Consequences of Iran Acquiring Nuclear Weapons

This book addresses the perceived consequences of Iran’s development of nuclear weapons. The author of this book obtained her Master's degree in Security and Safety Leadership from The George Washington University with a 4.0 GPA. She will illuminate the reasons that experts widely agree that a nuclear-armed Iran will create negative consequences for the United States, Israel, the Middle East, and other regions of the globe. Iran’s possession of nuclear weapons will reduce U.S. influence in the Middle East by drastically changing the balance of power in this critical region and encourage other nations in the Middle East to also develop nuclear weapons or buy them from another country, such as Pakistan. Iran’s funding, support, and involvement with violent terrorist organizations, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, are being linked to the threat that a nuclear-armed Iran presents to the safety of Israel. Israelis feel threatened by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s alleged statement that Iran will “wipe Israel off the map.” Iran’s entanglement with terrorist organizations, its anti-American and anti-Israeli stance, as well as its unrelenting pursuit of spreading Islam into the fabric of societies around the world are reasons why many leaders oppose Iran’s acquisition of nuclear capabilities. Iran’s perceived motives for allegedly pursuing nuclear arms despite Western opposition include protection, equality with other nations in possessing nuclear bombs, aiming to become a regional superpower, greater control over the oil market, and ensuring that the Islamic regime continues to rule Iran. This work includes a review and analysis of pertinent literature written by scholars, journalists, politicians, think tanks, and other experts with knowledge and understanding of the Iran nuclear issue. This book describes where Iran’s nuclear program stands today, the sanctions and diplomacy approach, IAEA inspections, U.N. Security Council Resolutions, the possibility of a pre-emptive airstrike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, as well as Iran’s history to provide context. Keywords: Iran, U.S., nuclear, weapons, terrorist, Islam, consequences, bombs, Israel