Iran's Security Challenges and the Region

Abstract

This report focuses on Iran, its security, and its role in the region, especially the complex interaction between Iran’s nuclear intentions and the concerns of regional and outside powers. It was the product of discussions at a colloquium sponsored by the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination following the visit of U.S. President George Bush to Europe during the spring of 2005 during which it emerged that the US may follow and support the EU3’s negotiation endeavor with Iran regarding the nuclear issue, up to a certain point. The report evaluates tensions pertaining to Iran, its concerns, the region, and the other powers in three ways (1) assessing the parties’ respective real minimum and maximum positions, including the respective concerns and critical interests at stake, (2) examining existing programs and projects in light of a possible adaptation to a deteriorating situation, (3) suggesting possible development of completely new initiatives, such as multilateral ownership of nuclear research and energy facilities on Iranian territory, with an eye to the challenge of balancing national pride and certain international security concerns.