Nuclear deal likely to make Iran more aggressive in the region, increasing the chances of conflict and war
Assertions to the contrary aside, the nuclear agreement will likely lead to a greater chance of conflict and war. With increased military capabilities, and a nuclear weapons option that it can exercise when necessary, Iran may become even more aggressive in the region in promoting its theocratic and national goals – undermining long term American allies in a region of vital U.S. interests. With the U.S. pull out of Afghanistan and drawdown in Iraq, Iran is the prime candidate to become the preeminent power in the Gulf and beyond. And given the lifting of the embargoes on conventional arms and ballistic missiles, Iran’s military capabilities will grow all the more, creating even greater incentive for Iran’s Arab neighbors to increase their arms. Media reports indicate that the Obama Administration has already signaled that it will increase arms transfers to the region.
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U.S. allies in the gulf region are right to be concerned about an empowered and unfettered Iran after the nuclear deal. Additionally, there are concerns that the growing U.S.-Iranian rapproachment will further destabilize the Middle East.
Related Quotes:- Nuclear deal will disrupt balance of power in the Middle East, creating new sources of instability
- Nuclear deal likely to make Iran more aggressive in the region, increasing the chances of conflict and war
- Our Arab allies are concerned about U.S.-Iranian rapprochement following the deal
- Stakes for both Israel and Hezbollah are raised for next conflict, increasing risks of escalation
- Syrian crisis has weakened Hezbollah but passage of Iran deal would both embolden them and give them fresh resources
- JCPOA would be damaging to U.S. interests in three ways
- U.S. acceptance of Iran deal without changing regional policy will only further inflame sectarian conflict
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