Motivations and Strategic Objectives of the Iranian Nuclear Program 1967-2010

Abstract

Successive Iranian governments have shown significant interest in the Iranian nuclear program. Motivations have varied and differed between the royal and republican eras, encompassing both secretive motivations beyond what is officially stated by Iranian leadership and concerns about Iran's clandestine activities aimed at acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran, however, has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful energy purposes and not for military use, basing its stance on religious edicts prohibiting nuclear weapons and claiming no need for them.

The aim of this study is to shed light on the true motivations and objectives of the Iranian nuclear program. Opinions on the nature of the Iranian nuclear program have varied, with the Western perspective, particularly that of the United States, viewing it as a threat and necessitating action to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons. On the other hand, Iran has argued that the security environment surrounding it poses a significant threat to its national security, making it necessary to possess nuclear weapons. Despite these assertions, Iranian officials have stated that their program is limited to peaceful uses within the bounds of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) of 1968.

Many observers in the Arab, regional, and international arenas have cast doubt on Iran's nuclear file, especially considering Iran's existing capabilities in the energy sector. This leads us to understand the underlying reasons for Iran's desire to possess nuclear weapons, primarily for national security, international status, strengthening its external influence, technological advancement, and economic development. Therefore, it can be said that the true motive behind Iran's pursuit of the nuclear program is dual-use. In this context, Iran is not an exception to other countries like India and North Korea, affirming the duality of nuclear program use through the integration of Iranian nuclear capabilities, missile system development, and the initiation of a space program, potentially enabling both peaceful and military applications simultaneously.