Publication

This paper discusses 1) how Iran is using the P5+1 nuclear negotiations to relieve the effects of UN sanctions, and 2) what are the potential geopolitical and security consequences of gaining such relief. With the sanctions lifted, for example, Tehran could join the China‐Russia dominated Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). It could also secure S‐300 and S‐400 missile defense systems from Russia, which would seriously complicate any US or Israeli ideas about conducting future airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.