National Security >> Nuclear Iran

Nuclear Iran

A nuclear Iran could pose a significant threat to global security.  Unfortunately, the international community has been frustrated in its efforts to reverse this development.  A small yet diverse group of leading foreign policy thinkers and practitioners, energy experts, and senior retired generals and admirals are working to develop policy recommendations that would both defuse the situation as well as command bipartisan and public support.

This project, entitled “Iran’s Nuclear Weapons Program: Recommendations for U.S. Policy,” will produce a series of short papers and a comprehensive report that (1) investigates the strategic implications of a nuclear Iran; (2) examines, in real depth, the practical ramifications of the various policy options available to the U.S.; and (3) recommends a coherent, bipartisan U.S. strategy towards Iranian nuclear development.

In addition to concrete policy recommendations, the project will also seek to: generate a more informed public debate about the issue; improve communication and knowledge of this issue among key Republicans and Democrats; and brief senior administration officials, senior members of Congress, and presidential candidates and their advisors, on a bipartisan U.S. approach to Iran.

Co-Chairs

Daniel R. Coats

Dan Coats previously served as U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany. A former member of Congress, Ambassador Coats represented the state of Indiana in the U.S. Senate from 1989 to 1999, and in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981 to 1988. As Senator, Ambassador Coats was a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, serving as Chairman of the Military Personnel and Air/Land Forces Subcommittees. He also served on the Senate Select Committee for Intelligence.

Chuck Robb

Chuck Robb represented the state of Virginia during his political career. In 1978 he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Virginia and served until 1982. He severed as Governor of Virginia from 1982-1986. In 1988 he was elected to the United States Senate. He was appointed by President George W. Bush as co-chair, Commission on Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction 2004-2005. In 2006 he was appointed to serve on the President's Foreign Intelligence Advisory Board. He also served on the Iraq Study Group.

Steering Committee

Consultants