NUCLEAR PROGRAM OF IRAN: STRATEGIC DIMENSIONS AND LEADERSHIP ROLE

Abstract

Iran started the nuclear program in late 1950s by signing Atom for Peace agreement with USA. Furthermore, the state elites started negotiation for assistance with Russia, France and Argentina to make the hidden arrangements in 1990s. Finally in 2003, the Iran’s perception for acquiring the strategic means of the nuclear program revealed by International Atomic Energy Agency report. Since that time, this program is in the domain of serious consideration for various western states and international organizations. It has been argue that Middle East’s security instability and Iran-Israel rivalry being perceived by Iran’s political leadership accelerated for nuclear aspirations. By centralizing the strategic dimension of Middle East and the role of Iran’s political stakeholders, this research has established a framework that why Tehran go for nuclearization as end means. It also has been reinvigorated that how the state elites manage international diplomacy in this whole scenario. The state is still perceiving to go nuclear weapons in post US withdrawal from the JCPOA. The paper further tries to reevaluate the question that in what circumstances, denuclearization of Iran is possible.