Publication

This paper provides an overview of Iran so as to inform US policy toward the country, especially in relation to Washington's sanctions on Iran in response to the perceived threat the country poses through its nuclear program. In particular, the paper examines 1) Iran's governmental structure, its stability and the country's political opposition; 2) the country's defense capabilities and weapons of mass destruction programs; 3) its foreign policy and support of terrorist groups; and 4) US policy toward Iran since 1979, with a particular focus on the form of this policy during the administration of President Obama.