A Bipartisan Strategy for Countering Iran: A Path Forward

The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East is fraught with complexities, and at the center of many of these challenges lies Iran. As the United States grapples with its foreign policy, it is increasingly clear that a bipartisan strategy toward Iran is essential. This strategy must be resilient enough to withstand the test of time and political shifts, focusing on countering Iran’s ambitions to dominate the region, undermine U.S. interests, threaten Israel, and destabilize Arab allies.

The Current Landscape: A Need for Strategic Cohesion

Over the past decade, U.S. policy toward Iran has oscillated dramatically, resulting in a vacuum that Iran has exploited to expand its influence. The ideological nature of the Iranian regime, coupled with its strengthened ties to global powers like China, complicates efforts to isolate Tehran. The regime has not only advanced its nuclear program but has also bolstered its support for proxy groups across the Middle East, including Hezbollah and Hamas, through illicit financial channels.

The withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 marked a pivotal moment, allowing Iran to accelerate its nuclear ambitions. Today, Tehran has amassed significant stockpiles of enriched uranium and advanced centrifuges, all while evading international scrutiny. This precarious situation necessitates a comprehensive and bipartisan approach that can endure beyond individual administrations.

The Prescription: A Three-Pronged Strategy

To effectively counter Iran’s influence and nuclear ambitions, the United States should pursue a long-term strategy with three primary goals:

1. Reducing Iran’s Regional Influence

What to Do: The U.S. must tighten sanctions enforcement and crack down on sanctions evasion, particularly by China. This includes targeting third-party brokers that facilitate illicit transactions. Additionally, strengthening regional allies is crucial; the U.S. should encourage Middle Eastern and global partners to take the lead in diplomatic and economic efforts against Iranian influence.

Military Presence: Maintaining a robust U.S. military presence in the region is vital. This presence should be coupled with a willingness to respond decisively to any attacks by Iranian proxies on U.S. or allied interests.

Public Diplomacy: The U.S. should leverage public diplomacy to highlight the destructive impact of Iran’s proxies across the region, drawing attention to their activities in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Syria.

2. Preventing Iran from Acquiring Nuclear Weapons

What to Do: Acknowledging that reviving the JCPOA is unlikely to yield results, the U.S. must shift its focus to developing a new framework for negotiations. This framework should aim to impose restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program, ensuring that it remains several months away from a breakout capability.

Military Options: Reimposing snapback sanctions and developing credible military options against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure are essential steps to increase pressure on the regime. The U.S. must maintain a clear and unequivocal stance that it will not tolerate Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, signaling a readiness to use military force if necessary.

3. Supporting the Aspirations of the Iranian People

What to Do: The U.S. should adopt policies that support the Iranian people’s aspirations for freedom and democracy without advocating for regime change through military intervention. This includes increasing funding for educational resources and independent media, as well as promoting Persian-language news outlets.

Human Rights Initiatives: A multilateral effort to target regime officials involved in corruption and human rights abuses is crucial. The U.S. should work with international allies to hold these officials accountable and to promote transparency.

Public Messaging: It is essential to avoid rhetoric that suggests regime change, as this could alienate the Iranian populace. Instead, the focus should be on highlighting the disparity between the regime’s leadership and the everyday struggles of ordinary Iranians.

Conclusion: A Call for Unity and Resolve

The challenges posed by Iran are multifaceted and require a nuanced, bipartisan approach that transcends political divisions. By focusing on reducing Iran’s regional influence, preventing its nuclear ambitions, and supporting the aspirations of its people, the United States can forge a path forward that not only protects its interests but also contributes to a more stable Middle East.

The Atlantic Council’s Iran Strategy Project has laid the groundwork for this comprehensive approach, bringing together a diverse group of experts to craft a policy that can endure across administrations. As the U.S. navigates this complex landscape, it must remain steadfast in its commitment to countering Iran’s malign influence while fostering a future where the Iranian people can determine their own destiny.