Extended Deterrence Regime to Counter Iranian Nuclear Weapons: Issues and Options

This paper examines the idea of creating an American-led extended deterrence regime in the Middle East to address potential Iranian acquisition of nuclear weapons and missiles. It does not focus on how to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed power. Instead it addresses how the U.S. Government can act to deter Iran in a future setting where it already possesses these weapons and is trying to employ them to geopolitical advantage. Developing a coherent strategy can less en the risk that the United States will be surprised, compelled to improvise, and unable to lead effectively in the Middle East and elsewhere.