Iran is a malevolent, but manageable, threat

The House Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia met to discuss “Iran’s Strategic Aspirations and the Future of the Middle East.” Gary Ackerman (D-NY), said that Iran’s threat to America has gone ignored for years. He said that now Iran’s expanded realm means a real threat to the U.S., but that the security risks are manageable.

Congressman Mike Pence (R-Ind.) said that Iran is the most malevolent and dangerous threat to U.S. interest. As for diplomatic tactics, Pence hoped that the next President would not use direct negotiation because it is ineffective. All of the witnesses emphasized Iran’s desire to become the preeminent power in Middle East. Judith Yaphe said that Iran wants the U.S. to recognize its legitimacy and its right to be the great power in the area. Because of Iran’s expanded realm of power and threat, the issues of Iraq and Iran are not isolated. Therefore, consideration must be given to Iran’s response to any changes made in Iraq, as Yaphe said.

In addressing the question of how to end Iran’s nuclear threat, Yaphe said that there is little to lose in negotiations, but Jon Alterman emphasized that the U.S. must not approach talks with the objective of changing the Iranian government. Experts and congressmen have not agreed on a tactic with Iran. While Pence endorses stronger sanctions rather than direct negotiations, the experts contend that talks with Iran may be progressive as long as they are not too ambitious.