Iran: The spark that ignites the Middle East

Jackie Davis of the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis said that Iran’s pursuit of nuclear capabilities has substantial implications for the U.S. and its allies in the Middle East. She said that in the past economic sanctions have been vital in deterring Iran from creating nuclear weapons. The major problem with the sanctions, she said, is that because Iran has so many natural resources that are in high demand, many countries are dependent on Iran and therefore less willing to enforce sanctions.

Davis said that from a U.S. perspective if Iran obtained nuclear capabilities it would “open the flood gates” for other countries to begin trying to acquire nuclear weapons. She said that the need for diplomacy between Russia and the U.S. is paramount. The relationship the Russians have with the Iranians and the military power they have put them in a position to have considerable influence over Iran.

She also said that without greater insight into the Iranian government, it is impossible to determine how they would actually use their nuclear weapons. She said that if Iran were to gain nuclear capabilities it could act as a catalyst and ignite the whole region.