Proliferation

Policy Analysis on Proliferation

Easier Said than Done: Renewing Maximum Pressure on Iran

New strategic realities and the ever-present challenge of enforcement would make it difficult to reinvigorate the heavy international sanctions regimes seen in past years.

August 2024

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Richard Nephew

Brief Analysis

Saudi Arabia Increases Its Cooperation with World’s Nuclear Watchdog

The small but significant step could facilitate U.S. technology transfers to the kingdom, said to be a key element in any potential Israeli-Saudi normalization deal—but proliferation concerns persist.

Aug 8, 2024

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Simon Henderson

Iran's president-elect Pezeshkian speaks in Tehran - source: Reuters

Video

Brief Analysis

Opportunities and Risks with Iran's New Government

Three experts discuss the domestic and foreign implications of Masoud Pezeshkian’s presidential election victory—including the need to temper any expectations that he is able or willing to pursue substantial change.

Jul 18, 2024

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Patrick Clawson
Holly Dagres
Saeid Golkar

Iranian presidential candidate Masoud Pezeshkian poses in front of a poster of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei prior to Iran's 2024 presidential elections - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Talking Nicely with Pezeshkian While Postponing Major Steps

Iran’s new reformist president will need time to generate consensus at home before making any significant foreign policy moves; Washington should do the same.

Jul 9, 2024

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Patrick Clawson

Brief Analysis

IAEA Censure Risks Iranian Escalation

Tehran has a history of stepping up its nuclear violations after public rebukes; in the current environment, such escalation could have regional proliferation implications.

Jun 10, 2024

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Simon Henderson

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi touring a nuclear power plant in Ukraine - source: United Nations

Brief Analysis

Nuclear Agency Chief Visits Iran: Expectations and Next Steps

Given the latest uptick in hostilities between Iran and Israel and their reported threats against nuclear facilities, the visit will likely emphasize diplomacy.

May 3, 2024

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Nuclear Gloss to Pakistan’s Diplomacy with Iran and Saudi Arabia

Multiple high-level visits suggest economic desperation mixed with strategic—and possibly nuclear—opportunism.

Apr 25, 2024

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Simon Henderson

Brief Analysis

Washington and Europe Need to Get on the Same Page Regarding Iran’s Nuclear Progress

The latest IAEA report shows why the West must refocus on Tehran’s nuclear program, which continues to expand even as international will to address it seemingly declines.

Mar 21, 2024

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Michael Singh

Brief Analysis

Iran Increases Output of Near Bomb-Grade Nuclear Material

The IAEA’s new uranium revelations are amplifying concerns about a potential multifront war between Israel and Iran.

Dec 27, 2023

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Simon Henderson

Articles & Testimony

America’s Failing Iran Nuclear Policy: Time for a Course Adjustment

Policymakers need to stay focused on halting the regime’s fissile material buildup while undertaking a broader, longer-term effort to shape its assessment of the risks, costs, and utility of nuclear weapons.

Oct 20, 2023

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Michael Eisenstadt

Brief Analysis

Saudi Arabia Signals It Will Accept Stricter Nuclear Inspections

Official statements at the latest IAEA meeting are effectively a concession in the kingdom’s negotiating stance on normalization with Israel.

Sep 26, 2023

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Simon Henderson

American prisoners released by Iran arrive in Doha, Qatar,in September 2023 - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

The Iran Hostage Deal: Clarifying the $6 Billion Transfer

The deal gives Tehran access to frozen funds for humanitarian purposes, likely paving the way for resumed nuclear talks this fall as both sides try to lower tensions.

Sep 18, 2023

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Henry Rome

A photo illustration shows US and Iranian flags and an atomic symbol - source: Reuters

Brief Analysis

Iran’s Nuclear Diplomacy: Feint and Advance

What Washington considers de-escalation, Tehran sees as an opportunity to consolidate its nuclear gains, avoid accountability, and position itself to cross the nuclear weapons threshold at a time of its choosing.

Sep 14, 2023

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Michael Singh

Maps & Graphics

Brief Analysis

Iran’s Misunderstood Nuclear Law

Tehran may argue that its 2020 nuclear law constrains its room for maneuver in any future talks, but its compliance with that law has long been spotty, and officials seem more focused on ensuring that any concessions they make are reversible.

Sep 7, 2023

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Henry Rome

Brief Analysis

Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear “Asks”: What Do They Want, What Might They Get?

Riyadh’s reported price for peace with Israel includes a civil nuclear program, but any such deal will require Washington to carefully balance multiple diplomatic, legal, and proliferation concerns.

Aug 15, 2023

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Simon Henderson
David Schenker

Brief Analysis

The Iran Deal’s October Sunsets: Sanctions Without Snapback

Facing the imminent expiration of UN sanctions but unwilling to trigger “snapback,” the EU and Britain should unilaterally extend some of their own restrictions on Tehran.

Jul 28, 2023

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Henry Rome
Louis Dugit-Gros

A production still from the movie Oppenheimer, featuring actor Cillian Murphy - source: Universal

Articles & Testimony

The Science Behind the Drama of ‘Oppenheimer’

Iran’s potential push for a nuclear device and the region’s broader proliferation challenges cast a shadow over the new summer blockbuster.

Jul 24, 2023

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Simon Henderson

Thumbnail image representing an infographic illustrating the uranium enrichment process

Maps & Graphics

Articles & Testimony

Infographic: A Visual Guide to Understanding the Uranium Enrichment Process

This infographic is based on the Washington Institute’s 2015 nuclear glossary, a detailed guide that provides summaries of technical terms relating to Iran’s nuclear progress.

Jul 18, 2023

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Shaina Katz

Articles & Testimony

A New Iran Nuclear Deal Might Be on the Horizon

Washington can still avoid war, but not unless it balances blandishments and rewards with credible threats.

Jun 23, 2023

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Dennis Ross

Brief Analysis

Bolstering Saudi Arabia’s CBRN Defenses

The kingdom has substantial gaps in its ability to handle nonconventional attacks or incidents involving the release of hazardous materials, but addressing them now could improve both its readiness at home and its interoperability with foreign forces.

Jun 14, 2023

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Faris Almaari

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Featured experts

Patrick Clawson

Patrick Clawson is the Morningstar Senior Fellow and Research Counselor at The Washington Institute.

Michael Singh

Michael Singh is the Managing Director and Lane-Swig Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute.

Simon Henderson

Simon Henderson is the Baker Senior Fellow and director of the Bernstein Program on Gulf and Energy Policy at The Washington Institute, specializing in energy matters and the conservative Arab states of the Persian Gulf.

Henry Rome

Henry Rome was a Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, specializing in Iran sanctions, economic, and nuclear issues.

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Policy Analysis on Proliferation

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