Iran is hurting. Economic sanctions imposed by Western governments designed to push Tehran back into nuclear negotiations have triggered a virtual collapse of Iran's currency, and the effects are being felt throughout the entire economy. While there are reasons to be concerned about the impact of sanctions on ordinary Iranians, the pressure should be maintained. At the same time, it must be made clear to the Iranian government and public that they have the power to end the squeeze: Cap the nuclear program, return to international inspections and help end the doubts about Iranian intentions.
Iran's nuclear program has been shrouded in uncertainty for years. Western governments and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the world's nuclear watchdog, have harbored suspicions about Tehran's goals, openly questioning Iran's claim that its nuclear program is peaceful and not the cover for a nuclear weapons program. Years of international negotiations to resolve the uncertainties have failed. Indeed, while those discussions have proceeded — without resolution — Iranian capabilities have slowly but steadily increased and there is very real concern that Tehran is moving toward the capacity to construct a nuclear weapon.
Such a move would transform the regional security environment, and could trigger a nuclear arms race throughout the Middle East and beyond. Israel considers an Iranian nuclear capability an existential threat and has vowed — most recently at United Nations General Assembly meetings the week before last — to prevent such a scenario, by force if necessary. An Israeli attack could trigger a wider conflict throughout the Middle East, with potentially global consequences.