Limitations.
type: Topic

Diplomacy.
type: Topic

Perception.
type: Topic

Israel.
type: Topic

Unconventional Warfare.
type: Topic
name: Unconventional warfare.

Nuclear weapons.
type: Topic
name: Nuclear Weapons.

Economics and cost analysis.
type: Topic

Leadership.
type: Topic

Negotiations.
type: Topic

Military operations.
type: Topic

Middle east.
type: Topic

Weapon systems.
type: Topic

Government and political science.
type: Topic
name: Government and Political Science.

France.
type: Topic

Logistics, military facilities and supplies.
type: Topic

Russia.
type: Topic

Palestinians.
type: Topic

Power.
type: Topic

Estimates.
type: Topic

Gasoline.
type: Topic

Iran.
type: Topic

Geopolitics.
type: Topic

Political science.
type: Topic

Military capabilities.
type: Topic

Domestic terrorism.
type: Topic

Military assistance.
type: Topic

Lebanon.
type: Topic

War potential.
type: Topic

Foreign policy.
type: Topic

Turkey.
type: Topic

Losses.
type: Topic

Civil defense.
type: Topic

Decision making.
type: Topic

Europe.
type: Topic

Political revolution.
type: Topic

International politics.
type: Topic

Accountability.
type: Topic

Foreign.
type: Topic

Diplomats.
type: Topic

Military Operations, Strategy and Tactics.
type: Topic
name: Military operations, strategy and tactics.

Political parties.
type: Topic

Weapons.
type: Topic

Syria.
type: Topic

Since 1997
type: Event

Regions.
type: Topic

Mass destruction weapons.
type: Topic

Drives.
type: Topic

Threat evaluation.
type: Topic

Discrimination.
type: Topic

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE.
type: Organization

Iran: U.S. Concerns and Policy Responses
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/713245905
about: Power.
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/259157105
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/227953605
about: Government and political science.
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/435742358
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/68452155
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/713343776
description: The Bush Administration characterizes Iran as a "profound threat to U.S. national security interests," a perception generated primarily by Iran's nuclear program and its military assistance to armed groups in Iraq and Afghanistan, to the Palestinian group Hamas, and to Lebanese Hezbollah. The threat assessment of some other governments was lessened by the December 3, 2007 key judgements of a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) that indicates that Iran is not driving to develop an actual nuclear weapon, but Administration officials say that this finding was not the main thrust of the NIE, which judged Iran to be continuing uranium enrichment.
about: Minorities.
about: http://id.worldcat.org/fast/1204889
about: Terrorism.
description: According to the "National Security Strategy" document released on March 16, 2006, the United States "may face no greater challenge from a single country than Iran." That perception has intensified following the military confrontation between Iranian-armed and assisted Lebanese Hezbollah and Israel in July-August 2006. To date, the Bush Administration has pursued several avenues to attempt to contain the potential threat posed by Iran, including supporting a long-term policy of changing Iran's regime. However, the Administration focus on preventing an Iranian nuclear weapons breakthrough has brought diplomatic and economic strategies to the forefront of U.S. policy. As part of that effort, the Bush Administration announced May 31 it would negotiate with Iran in concert with U.S. allies if Iran suspends uranium enrichment; in past years the Bush Administration had only limited dialogue with Iran on specific regional issues. However, Iran's August 22, 2006, response to a U.S. and partner offer to curb Iran's program fell short of U.S. conditions and of the demands to the same effect contained in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1696 (July 31, 2006). If diplomacy and sanctions do not succeed, some advocate military action against Iran's nuclear infrastructure rather than acquiescence to a nuclear-armed Iran. Others in the Administration believe that only a change of Iran's regime would end the threat posed by Iran. Successive administrations have pointed to the threat posed by Iran's policy in the Near East region, particularly material support to groups that use violence to prevent or complicate Israeli-Arab peace. Such groups have long included Lebanese Hezbollah and the Palestinian groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. U.S. officials also accuse Iran of attempting to exert influence in Iraq by providing arms and other material assistance to Shiite Islamist militias, some of which are participating in escalating sectarian violence against Sunnis there.
about: http://id.worldcat.org/fast/1040971
about: Iraq.
about: Iran Foreign relations Middle East.
about: Diplomats.
about: Israel.
about: Population.
about: Negotiations.
description: According to the "National Security Strategy" released on March 16, 2006, the United States "may face no greater challenge from a single country than Iran." That perception, generated first and foremost by Iran's developing nuclear program, intensified following the military confrontation between Iranian-armed and assisted Lebanese Hezbollah and Israel in July-August 2006. To date, the Bush Administration has pursued several avenues to attempt to contain the potential threat posed by Iran. However, the Administration's focus on preventing an Iranian nuclear weapons breakthrough has brought diplomatic strategy to the forefront of U.S. policy. As part of that effort, the Bush Administration announced May 31 it would negotiate with Iran in concert with U.S. allies if Iran suspends uranium enrichment; in past years the Bush Administration had only limited dialogue with Iran on specific regional issues. However, Iran did not comply with an August 31, 2006, deadline to cease uranium enrichment, contained in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1696 (July 31, 2006), dividing the United States and partner countries over whether to continue diplomacy with Iran and whether to move to impose international sanctions on it. If diplomacy and sanctions do not succeed, some advocate military action against Iran's nuclear infrastructure rather than acquiescence to a nuclear-armed Iran. Others in the Administration believe that only a change of Iran's regime would end the threat Iran poses. Successive administrations have pointed to the threat to the United States and its allies posed by Iran's policy in the Near East region, particularly material support to groups that use violence to prevent Israeli-Arab peace or undermine pro-U.S. governments. U.S. officials also accuse Iran of attempting to exert influence in Iraq by providing arms and other material assistance to Shiite Islamist militias, some of which are participating in escalating sectarian violence against Sunnis there.
description: President Obama has said his Administration shares the goals of previous Administrations to contain Iran's strategic capabilities and regional influence. The Obama Administration has not changed the Bush Administration's characterization of Iran as a "profound threat to U.S. national security interests," a perception generated not only by Iran's nuclear program but also by its military assistance to armed groups in Iraq and Afghanistan, to the Palestinian group Hamas, and to Lebanese Hezbollah. However, the Obama Administration has formulated approaches to achieve those goals that differ from those of its predecessor by expanding direct diplomatic engagement with Iran's government and by downplaying discussion of potential U.S. military action against Iranian nuclear facilities. With the nuclear issue unresolved, the domestic unrest in Iran that has burgeoned since alleged wide-scale fraud was committed in Iran's June 12, 2009, presidential election has presented the Administration with a potential choice of continuing the engagement or backing the opposition "Green movement." In December 2009, Administration statements shifted toward greater public support of the Green movement, but Administration officials appear to believe that the opposition's prospects are enhanced by a low U.S. public profile on the unrest. Congressional resolutions and legislation since mid-2009 show growing congressional attention to the plight of Iran's opposition and support for steps to enhance the opposition's prospects. Iran's neighbors continue to engage the regime in normal trade and diplomatic exchange, although it is widely believed that many regional leaders, particularly the Persian Gulf states, are hoping for a regime collapse.
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/227953832
about: Military forces(foreign)
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/318693751
about: President(U.S.)
about: Response.
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/58480930
about: Since 1997
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/826636536
about: sh85040838
description: According to an Administration national security strategy document released on March 16, 2006, the United States "may face no greater challenge from a single country than Iran." Over the past five years, the Bush Administration has pursued several avenues to attempt to contain or end what it views as the potential threat posed by Iran, including pursuing limited engagement directly or through allies. However, support for a policy of changing Iran's regime has apparently gained favor within the Administration as Iran has resisted permanent curbs on its nuclear program. In the nearer term, the Administration is intent on slowing or blunting Iran's nuclear program through concerted action by the United Nations Security Council. Because Iran continues to advance its nuclear program despite international criticism, some advocate military action against Iran's nuclear infrastructure. International concerns about nuclear issues and other strategic issues have been heightened by the accession of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a hardliner, as president. Iran's nuclear program is not the only major U.S. concern on Iran. Successive administrations have pointed to the threat posed by Iran's policy in the Near East region, particularly material support to groups that use violence against the U.S.-led Middle East peace process, including Hizballah in Lebanon and the Palestinian groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Hamas is forming a new Palestinian government following its victory in the January 25, 2006, elections. U.S. officials also accuse Iran of attempting to exert its influence in Iraq by providing arms and other material assistance to armed factions, possibly including anti-U.S. Shiite Islamist factions. Iran's human rights practices and strict limits on democracy have been consistently criticized by official U.S. and U.N. reports, particularly for Iran's suppression of political dissidents and religious and ethnic minorities.
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/57662705
about: Investments.
about: http://id.worldcat.org/fast/977053
about: http://id.worldcat.org/fast/1173041
about: Government(foreign)
alternate name: United States concerns and policy responses
about: Logistics, military facilities and supplies.
description: The Bush Administration characterizes Iran as a "profound threat to U.S. national security interests," a perception generated primarily by Iran's nuclear program and its military assistance to armed groups in Iraq and Afghanistan, to the Palestinian group Hamas, and to Lebanese Hezbollah. The Bush Administration's approach has been to try to prevent a nuclear breakout by Iran by applying coordinated international economic pressure on Iran while also offering it potential cooperation should it comply with the international demands to suspend its enrichment of uranium. The incorporation of diplomacy and engagement into the overall U.S. strategy led the Administration to approve the participation of a high-level State Department official at multilateral nuclear talks with Iran on July 19, 2008, although that meeting, and subsequent discussions, have not resulted in Iran's acceptance of the international offer of incentives.
alternate name: US concerns and policy responses
description: According to the "National Security Strategy" of March 16, 2006, the United States "may face no greater challenge from a single country than Iran." That perception, generated first by Iran's developing nuclear program, intensified following the military confrontation between Iranian-armed and assisted Lebanese Hezbollah and Israel in July-August 2006. To date, the Bush Administration has pursued several avenues to attempt to contain the potential threat posed by Iran, but the Administration's focus on preventing an Iranian nuclear weapons breakthrough -- as well as on stabilizing Iraq -- has brought diplomatic strategy to the forefront. The Bush Administration announced May 31, 2006, it would negotiate with Iran in concert with U.S. allies if Iran suspends uranium enrichment. However, Iran did not comply with an August 31, 2006, deadline to cease uranium enrichment, contained in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1696 (July 31, 2006). After almost 4 months of negotiations during which Russia and China argued that diplomacy with Iran would yield greater results than would sanctions, the Security Council imposed modest sanctions on trade with Iran's nuclear infrastructure and a freeze on the assets of related entities and personalities. Iran remains out of compliance, and the international community is discussing further sanctions against it. Other Iranian policies -- particularly its material support to groups that use violence to prevent Israeli-Arab peace or undermine pro-U.S. governments -- are attracting growing U.S. concern. U.S. officials accuse Iran of attempting to exert influence in Iraq and causing the deaths of U.S. troops by providing arms and other material assistance to Shiite Islamist militias participating in sectarian violence against Iraq's Sunnis. The Administration is pursuing a containment strategy to support its diplomacy on Iran, including a naval buildup in the Persian Gulf and efforts to persuade European governments to curb trade with Iran.
type: Book
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/227953752
about: Middle east.
contributor: http://worldcat.org/entity/person/id/2628931807
description: The Bush Administration has pursued several avenues to attempt to contain or end the potential threat posed by Iran, at times pursuing limited engagement directly or through allies, and at other times leaning toward pursuing efforts to change Iran's regime. A potential international crisis has loomed over Iran's nuclear program after a U.S.-supported effort by three European nations to limit Iran's nuclear program broke down in August 2005. International concerns on nuclear issues and other strategic issues have been heightened by the accession of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a hardliner, as president of Iran. He consistently advocated a return to many of the original principles of the Islamic revolution as set down by the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Some advocate military action against Iran's nuclear infrastructure, but others believe that continued diplomacy, combined with offers of economic rewards or threats of punishment, is the only viable option. Still others believe that only an outright replacement of Iran's regime would diminish the threat posed by Iran to U.S. interests. U.S. sanctions currently in effect ban or strictly limit U.S. trade, aid, and investment in Iran and penalize foreign firms that invest in Iran's energy sector, but unilateral U.S. sanctions do not appear to have materially slowed Iran's WMD programs or shaken the regime's grip on power. Iran's nuclear program is not the only major U.S. concern on Iran. Successive administrations have pointed to the threat posed by Iran's policy in the Near East region, particularly material support to groups that use violence against the U.S.-led Middle East peace process, including Hizballah in Lebanon and the Palestinian groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. In addition, U.S. officials accuse Iran of attempting to exert its influence in Iraq by providing arms and other material assistance to armed factions, possibly including anti-U.S. Shiite Islamist factions.
about: Perception(psychology)
about: Russia.
about: Threat evaluation.
about: Intelligence.
about: Gasoline.
about: Afghanistan.
description: President Obama has said his Administration shares the goals of previous administrations to contain Iran's strategic capabilities and regional influence. The Obama Administration has not changed the Bush Administration's characterization of Iran as a "profound threat to U.S. national security interests," a perception generated not only by Iran's nuclear program but also by its military assistance to armed groups in Iraq and Afghanistan, to the Palestinian group Hamas, and to Lebanese Hezbollah. However, the Obama Administration has formulated approaches to achieve those goals that differ from those of its predecessor by expanding direct diplomatic engagement with Iran's government and by downplaying discussion of potential U.S. military action against Iranian nuclear facilities. With the nuclear issue unresolved, the domestic unrest in Iran that has occurred since alleged wide-scale fraud was committed in Iran's June 12, 2009, presidential election has presented the Administration with a potential choice of continuing the engagement or backing the opposition "Green movement." In December 2009, Administration statements shifted toward greater public support of the Green movement, but Administration officials appear to believe that the opposition's prospects are enhanced by a low U.S. public profile on the unrest. Congressional resolutions and legislation since mid-2009 show growing congressional support for steps to enhance the opposition's prospects. Yet, some experts saw the regime's successful effort to prevent the holding of a large Green movement protest on "revolution day," February 11, 2010, as an indication that the Administration should return to its engagement efforts.
about: Banking.
description: According to the Administration's "National Security Strategy" document released on March 16, 2006, the United States "may face no greater challenge from a single country than Iran." That perception continues, generated primarily by Iran's developing nuclear program and intensified by Iran's military assistance to armed groups in Iraq and Afghanistan and to Lebanese Hezbollah. U.S. officials also accuse Iran of refusing to bring to justice several senior Al Qaeda activists in Iran. In part to direct regional attention to that view but also to engage Iran on an Iraq solution, the Administration attended regional conferences on Iraq on March 10, 2007, and May 3-4, 2007, both attended by Iran (and Syria), and subsequently held a bilateral meeting with Iran in Baghdad on May 28. The Bush Administration is pursuing several avenues to attempt to contain the potential threat posed by Iran, but the U.S. emphasis is now on multilateral sanctions and diplomatic pressure on Iran. Iran has not complied with repeated U.N. Security Council deadlines since August 2006 to cease uranium enrichment. That demand is encapsulated in two U.N. resolutions (1737 and 1747) to date that ban trade with and freeze the assets of Iran's nuclear and related entities and personalities, prevent Iran from transferring arms outside Iran, and require reporting on international travel by named Iranians. Separate U.S. efforts have included trying to persuade European governments to curb trade, investment, and credits to Iran; and pressuring foreign banks not to do business with Iran.
description: According to the Administration's National Security Strategy document released on March 16, 2006, the United States may face no greater challenge from a single country than Iran. That perception continues, generated primarily by Iran s nuclear program and intensified by Iran s military assistance to armed groups in Iraq and Afghanistan and to Lebanese Hezbollah. In part to direct regional attention to that view but also to engage Iran on an Iraq solution, the Administration attended regional conferences on Iraq on March 10, 2007, and May 3-4, 2007, both attended by Iran (and Syria), and subsequently has held a series of bilateral meetings with Iran in Baghdad. The Bush Administration is pursuing several approaches to attempt to contain the potential threat posed by Iran, but the U.S. emphasis now is to strengthen international economic sanctions on Iran to compel Iran to comply with the U.N. Security Council deadlines since August 2006 that have demanded it cease uranium enrichment. Two U.N. resolutions (1737 and 1747) ban weapons of mass destruction (WMD)-related trade with Iran, freeze the assets of Iran s nuclear and related entities and personalities, prevent Iran from transferring arms outside Iran, and require reporting on international travel by named Iranians. With Iran still refusing to comply on enrichment but offering to reveal to the International Atomic Energy Agency additional information on its nuclear program, further steps are under discussion at the U.N. Security Council, although some Security Council members want to await the results of additional diplomacy before extending sanctions to civilian trade issues. Separate U.S. efforts, showing some success, have included trying to persuade European governments to curb trade, investment, and credits to Iran; and pressuring foreign banks not to do business with Iran.
about: Marketing.
about: sh2008122079
description: The Obama Administration has continued the long-standing characterization of Iran as a "profound threat to U.S. national security interests." This threat perception has been generated not only by Iran's nuclear program but also by its military assistance to armed groups in Iraq and Afghanistan, to the Palestinian group Hamas, and to Lebanese Hezbollah. In its first year, the Obama Administration altered the previous U.S. approach by expanding direct diplomatic engagement with Iran's government and by offering Iran's leaders an alternative vision of closer integration with and acceptance by the West. To try to convince Iranian leaders of peaceful U.S. intent, the Obama Administration downplayed discussion of potential U.S. military action against Iranian nuclear facilities and repeatedly insisted that it did not seek to change Iran's regime. It held to this position even at the height of the protests by the domestic opposition "Green movement" that emerged following Iran's June 12, 2009, presidential election.
about: Civil defense.
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/318683817
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/801381120
description: According to the Administration's National Security Strategy document released on March 16, 2006, the United States may face no greater challenge from a single country than Iran. That perception, generated first and foremost by Iran s developing nuclear program, intensified following the military confrontation between Iranian-armed and assisted Lebanese Hezbollah and Israel in July-August 2006. To date, the Bush Administration has pursued several avenues to attempt to contain the potential threat posed by Iran. However, the Administration s focus on preventing an Iranian nuclear weapons breakthrough has brought diplomatic strategy to the forefront of U.S. policy. The Bush Administration announced May 31 it would negotiate with Iran in concert with U.S. allies if Iran suspends uranium enrichment. However, Iran did not comply with an August 31, 2006, deadline to cease uranium enrichment, contained in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1696 (July 31, 2006). After almost four months of negotiations during which Russia and, to a lesser extent, China, argued that diplomacy with Iran would yield greater results than would sanctions, the Security Council agreed to impose some modest sanctions on trade with Iran s nuclear infrastructure and a freeze on trade with and the assets of related entities and personalities. (Resolution 1737, passed unanimously on December 23, 2006).
about: Facilities.
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/610017113
description: The Bush Administration has pursued several avenues to attempt to contain or end the potential threat posed by Iran, at times pursuing limited engagement, and at other times leaning toward pursuing efforts to change Iran's regime. Some experts believe a potential crisis is looming over Iran's nuclear program because the Bush Administration is skeptical that efforts by several European allies to prevent a nuclear breakout by Iran will succeed, although the Administration announced steps in March 2005 to support those talks. U.S. concerns have been heightened by the victory of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, an admitted hardliner, in Iran's presidential election on June 24, 2005. Some advocate military action against Iran's nuclear infrastructure, but others believe that a combination of diplomatic and economic rewards and punishment are the only viable options on the nuclear issue. U.S. sanctions currently in effect ban or strictly limit U.S. trade, aid, and investment in Iran and penalize foreign firms that invest in Iran's energy sector, but unilateral U.S. sanctions do not appear to have materially slowed Iran's WMD programs to date. Other major U.S. concerns include Iran's material support to groups that use violence against the U.S.-led Middle East peace process, including Hizballah in Lebanon and the Palestinian groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Some senior Al Qaeda activists are in Iran as well, although Iran claims they are "in custody" and will be tried. Iran did not obstruct the U.S. effort to oust Iraq's Saddam Hussein, a long-time Tehran adversary, at least partly in the expectation that pro-Iranian Shiite Islamic factions would come to power in Iraq in the aftermath. That result occurred at the January 30, 2005 elections there. Iran's human rights practices and strict limits on democracy have been consistently criticized by official U.S. and U.N. reports, particularly for Iran's suppression of political dissidents and religious and ethnic minorities.
about: Political parties.
description: According to the Administration's "National Security Strategy" released on March 16, 2006, the United States "may face no greater challenge from a single country than Iran." That perception intensified following the military confrontation between Iranian-armed and assisted Lebanese Hezbollah and Israel in July-August 2006. To date, the Bush Administration has pursued several avenues to attempt to contain the potential threat posed by Iran. However, the Administration's focus on preventing an Iranian nuclear weapons breakthrough has brought diplomatic strategy to the forefront of U.S. policy. As part of that effort, the Bush Administration announced May 31 it would negotiate with Iran in concert with U.S. allies if Iran suspends uranium enrichment; in past years the Bush Administration had only limited dialog with Iran on specific regional issues. However, Iran did not comply with an August 31, 2006, deadline to cease uranium enrichment as per U.N. Security Council Resolution 1696 (July 31, 2006), dividing the United States and partner countries over whether to continue diplomacy with Iran and whether to move to impose international sanctions on it. If diplomacy and sanctions do not succeed, some advocate military action against Iran's nuclear infrastructure rather than acquiescence to a nuclear-armed Iran. Others in the Administration believe that only a change of Iran's regime would end the threat posed by Iran. Iran's nuclear program is not the only major U.S. concern with Iran. Successive administrations have pointed to the threat to the United States and its allies posed by Iran's policy in the Near East region, particularly material support to groups that use violence to prevent Israeli-Arab peace. Such groups have long included Lebanese Hezbollah and the Palestinian groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. U.S. officials also accuse Iran of attempting to exert influence in Iraq by providing arms and other material assistance to Shiite Islamist militias.
about: Geography.
about: Limitations.
about: Political science.
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/426925846
description: According to the "National Security Strategy" released on March 16, 2006, the United States "may face no greater challenge from a single country than Iran." That perception, generated first and foremost by Iran's developing nuclear program, intensified following the military confrontation between Iranian-armed and assisted Lebanese Hezbollah and Israel in July-August 2006. To date, the Bush Administration has pursued several avenues to attempt to contain the potential threat posed by Iran, but the Administration's focus on preventing an Iranian nuclear weapons breakthrough has brought diplomatic strategy to the forefront. The Bush Administration announced May 31, 2006, it would negotiate with Iran in concert with U.S. allies if Iran suspends uranium enrichment. However, Iran did not comply with an August 31, 2006, deadline to cease uranium enrichment, contained in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1696 (July 31, 2006). After almost 4 months of negotiations during which Russia and China argued that diplomacy with Iran would yield greater results than would sanctions, the Security Council agreed to impose some modest sanctions on trade with Iran's nuclear infrastructure and a freeze on the assets of related entities and personalities. (Resolution 1737, passed unanimously on Dec 23, 2006). If diplomacy and sanctions do not succeed, some advocate military action against Iran's nuclear infrastructure rather than acquiescence to a nuclear-armed Iran. Others in the Administration believe that only a change of Iran's regime would end the threat Iran poses. Successive administrations have pointed to the threat to the United States and its allies posed by Iran's policy in the Near East region, particularly material support to groups that use violence to prevent Israeli-Arab peace or undermine pro-U.S. governments. U.S. officials also accuse Iran of attempting to exert influence in Iraq by providing arms and other material assistance to Shiite Islamist militias there.
description: According to the Administration's National Security Strategy document released on March 16, 2006, the United States may face no greater challenge from a single country than Iran. That perception, generated primarily by Iran s developing nuclear program, has been intensified by Iran s assistance to Shiite armed groups in Iraq and to Lebanese Hezbollah. U.S. officials also accuse Iran of refusing to bring to justice several senior Al Qaeda activists in Iran. U.S. officials further cite Iran for causing the deaths of U.S. troops by providing arms and other material assistance to Shiite Islamist militias participating in escalating sectarian violence against Iraq s Sunnis. In part to direct regional attention to that view but also to engage Iran on an Iraq solution, the Administration supported and attended regional conferences on Iraq on March 10, 2007, and May 3-4, 2007, both attended by Iran (and Syria). The Bush Administration is pursuing several avenues to attempt to contain the potential threat posed by Iran, but the U.S. focus is now on multilateral and to some extent bilateral diplomacy. Iran has not complied with repeated U.N. Security Council deadlines since August 2006 to cease uranium enrichment, resulting in two U.N. resolutions (1737 and 1747) to date that ban trade with and freeze the assets of Iran s nuclear and related entities and personalities, prevent Iran from transferring arms outside Iran, and require reporting on international travel by named Iranians.
work example: http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/907568387
description: According to the "National Security Strategy" of March 16, 2006, the United States "may face no greater challenge from a single country than Iran." That perception, generated first by Iran's developing nuclear program, has been intensified by Iran's assistance to Shiite armed groups in Iraq and to Lebanese Hezbollah. The Bush Administration is pursuing several avenues to attempt to contain the potential threat posed by Iran, but the Administration's focus on preventing an Iranian nuclear weapons breakthrough -- as well as on stabilizing Iraq -- has brought multilateral diplomatic strategy to the forefront. Iran did not comply with an August 31, 2006, deadline to cease uranium enrichment, contained in U.N. Security Council Resolution 1696 (July 31, 2006). After almost 4 months of negotiations during which Russia and China argued that diplomacy with Iran would yield greater results than would sanctions, the Security Council imposed modest sanctions on trade with Iran's nuclear infrastructure and a freeze on trade with and the assets of related entities and personalities. (Resolution 1737, passed unanimously on Dec 23, 2006). Iran remained out of compliance, and the international community increased sanctions in a follow-on Resolution (1747) adopted unanimously on March 24, 2007. The Administration's containment strategy includes a naval buildup in the Persian Gulf, efforts to persuade European governments to curb trade with Iran, and pressure on foreign banks not to do business with Iran. Some legislation introduced in the 110th Congress, including H.R. 1400, S. 970, and H.R. 957, would tighten some U.S. sanctions on Iran. Amid signs that the pressure is causing increased strains among leaders in Iran, the Administration strongly denies it is planning on military action against Iran. Some in the Administration believe that only a change of Iran's regime would end the threat posed by Iran, although without a clear means of achieving such a result.
description: The Bush Administration has generally continued the Iran policies of previous administrations by attempting to contain Iran while pursuing limited engagement with it. At times, the Administration has appeared to favor a strategy of regime change, although without taking concrete steps in that direction. During the previous Administration, signs of moderation in Iran had stimulated the United States to try to engage Iran in broad, official talks. Relations took a downturn after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States when the issue of international terrorism took center stage. President Bush singled out Iran, North Korea, and Iraq as part of an "axis of evil" in his January 29, 2002, State of the Union message. Since then, common interests in stability in post-conflict Afghanistan and post-Saddam Iraq have led to occasional direct contact. Iran's alleged efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and delivery means, coupled with its support of terrorist groups, have long been key U.S. concerns. The Bush Administration and many in Congress are expressing strong suspicions of Iran's nuclear intentions; these concerns have been heightened by reported major strides in Iran's nuclear program and halting and incomplete cooperation with a strict program of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections and safeguards. Another U.S. concern has been Iran's active opposition to the U.S.-led Middle East peace process, including material support to Hizballah in Lebanon and such Palestinian groups as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Iran was quietly helpful in the U.S. effort to oust Iraq's Saddam Hussein, a long-time Tehran adversary, although Iran reportedly is supporting Shiite Islamic factions there that do not espouse most Western values. Iran's human rights practices and limits on democracy are frequently criticized by U.S. officials and Members.
about: Military assistance.

Policies.
type: Topic

Military strategy.
type: Topic

Facilities.
type: Topic

Political negotiations.
type: Topic

Banking.
type: Topic

Minorities.
type: Topic

United States
type: Place

Terrorism.
type: Topic

Perception(psychology)
type: Topic

Security.
type: Topic

Enrichment.
type: Topic

Civil disturbances.
type: Topic

President(U.S.)
type: Topic

Response.
type: Topic

European union.
type: Topic

Threats.
type: Topic

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service,
type: Organization

Ethnic groups.
type: Topic

Sociology and Law.
type: Topic
name: Sociology and law.

Intelligence.
type: Topic

Guided missiles.
type: Topic

Suppression.
type: Topic

Legislation.
type: Topic

Terrorists.
type: Topic

Nuclear energy.
type: Topic

Geography.
type: Topic

Industrial plants.
type: Topic

Nuclear proliferation.
type: Topic

Iraq.
type: Topic

Military forces(foreign)
type: Topic
name: Military forces(foreign).

Military intelligence.
type: Topic
name: Military Intelligence.

Marketing.
type: Topic

Economic impact.
type: Topic

Democracy.
type: Topic

Elections.
type: Topic

Nations.
type: Topic

Congress.
type: Topic

Sectarian violence.
type: Topic

Investments.
type: Topic

Symposia.
type: Topic

Airborne.
type: Topic

Acceptability.
type: Topic

Military assistance, Iranian.
type: Topic

United nations.
type: Topic

Nuclear power plants.
type: Topic

United states government.
type: Topic

Containment(general)
type: Topic

Chemical, biological and radiological warfare.
type: Topic

Travel.
type: Topic

Economics.
type: Topic

Central asia.
type: Topic

Government(foreign)
type: Topic
name: Government(foreign).

Nuclear warfare.
type: Topic

Military planning.
type: Topic

Economic sanctions.
type: Topic

Cooperation.
type: Topic

Persian gulf.
type: Topic

United states.
type: Topic

Reactor fuel processing.
type: Topic

International trade.
type: Topic

Iran
type: Place

Battlefields.
type: Topic

International relations.
type: Topic

Arms control.
type: Topic

Uranium.
type: Topic

National security.
type: Topic

Iran Foreign relations Middle East.
type: Topic

Solutions(general)
type: Topic

Population.
type: Topic

Afghanistan.
type: Topic

Foreign military sales.
type: Topic

Reactor fuel enrichment.
type: Topic

Cargo vehicles.
type: Topic