Ploughshares Blog: Iran

Newspapers today are abuzz with a new announcement from Iran claiming advances in its nuclear program. Against the backdrop of continued talk of military strikes, what does this announcement mean? President Joe Cirincione explains in two tweets.  Read more »
Posted by admin on February 15, 2012
Sometimes, it’s important to look at the big picture to get some perspective. In 2008, there was no New START treaty with Russia, Osama bin Laden remained at large plotting terrorist attacks with Al Qaeda, and Libyans were still under the dictatorial rule of Muammar Gaddaffi. Read more »
Posted by Megan Murphy on January 31, 2012
This weekend saw an encouraging resurgence of the word 'negotiations' in the conversation around Iran's nuclear program. After several weeks where talk of military conflict has dominated the discussion, it is a welcome change.  Read more »
Posted by Margaret Swink on January 24, 2012
On the surface, US-Iran relations are reaching a fevered pitch. The assassination of an Iranian scientist, possibly part of a covert campaign against Iran's nuclear program, is just the latest in a series of troubling developments. Iran has begun enriching uranium at its Fordo facility, expressed defiance of harsh economic sanctions from the West, and continues to threaten to close the Strait of Hormuz. In the US, loud calls for a military strike against Iran are increasing the tension. Read more »
Posted by Mary Kaszynski on January 11, 2012
Over the past week, there's been a lot of speculation over Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to Latin America. To help get some perspective on the debate, we asked international security expert and MIT professor Dr. Jim Walsh three questions on just what Iran might be up to. His answer? Not much.  Read more »
Posted by admin on January 10, 2012

Experts and national security leaders from Colin Powell to Leon Panetta agree that a war with Iran would be disastrous for American strategic interests in the Middle East, harmful to the global economy, and bring a high cost in human life. It would also be ineffective at stopping an Iranian nuclear weapon. Read more »
Posted by Mary Kaszynski on December 14, 2011
The following is the second in a series of guest posts from graduate students reflecting on the 25th anniversary of Rekyavik. In Reykjavik, Iceland, U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev held the first serious international talks to eliminate nuclear weapons. Unable to reach an agreement in Reykjavik, a year later Mr. Reagan and Mr. Gorbachev signed the INF treaty eliminating all mid-range nuclear missiles. Read more »
Posted by admin on November 21, 2011
The IAEA released a much-anticipated report yesterday on the status of Iran’s nuclear program publically calling out proof of that country’s weaponization activities. But, as many experts and journalists are reporting, the evidence, while disturbing, is neither new nor conclusive. Read more »
Posted by admin on November 9, 2011
In a sea of skepticism over U.S. policy on Iran, new developments are signaling progress toward a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear program. Read more »
Posted by Megan Murphy on October 7, 2011
Last week, more than 90 U.S. senators sent a letter to President Obama urging the president to put sanctions upon Iran’s central bank – essentially creating a financial blockade. While existing sanctions have contributed to constraining the Iranian regime’s nuclear program, this latest sanctions proposal could make dealing with Iran harder and war more likely. Before tempting that risk, Washington should clarify the end goal of sanctioning Iran.   Read more »
Posted by Ben Loehrke on August 16, 2011