CSS Evening Talk: The Iranian Nuclear Challenge

Are diplomatic solutions for the Iranian nuclear problem still feasible? Or must we learn to live with the Iranian bomb? Would nuclear deterrence between Iran and Israel work over the longer term? Or would this be too risky, and would Israel and/or the US use military force to prevent an Iranian bomb sooner or later? These were the core questions asked by external page Mark Fitzpatrick, director of the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament program at the London International Institute for Strategic Studies, and Oliver Thränert, head of the CSS think tank. Just two days before the first round of presidential elections in Iran, this issue had a particular urgency. The lively debate with audience members made clear that there was widespread skepticism regarding possible military action against Iran. At the same time, some discussants emphasized that a nuclear-armed Iran would also raise many problems.