Publication

In light of the P5+1-Iran nuclear proliferation talks, this paper contends that Tehran is pursuing an agreement that will recognize it as a "nuclear threshold state"; one that can arm itself with nuclear weapons in a short space of time when it thinks necessary. The author then discusses 1) the circumstances which might compel Iran to take the action of quickly acquiring nuclear weapons if it had the ability to do so; 2) the wider implications of the international community's acceptance of Iran as a "nuclear threshold state"; and 3) the actions Israel could take to contain the consequences of Iran gaining the ability to decide when to develop a nuclear capability.