Khosseynzadekh V., Fomenkov A.A. Iran’s intent in creating and developing its nuclear program: analysis of the existing theories

Abstract: The subject of this research is the question of Iran’s nuclear policy. Many analysts that support the theories of realism and neorealism, in their research note that by actively and persistently defending their nuclear program, Iran intends to create nuclear weapons to defend itself in the conditions of tensions in the Middle East. Based on the analysis of actual materials, this article examines the theoretical foundation of these researches. A special attention is given to the facts that cast doubts on the possibility of a military nature of Iran’s nuclear program. The authors meticulously investigates such aspects of this topic as: Iran being among the countries who have signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT); presence International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) reports on the lack of science confirming that Iran is developing nuclear weapons; rejection of use of nontraditional military means from the Islamic point of view; Iran’s concentration on traditional methods of deterrence in their military strategy; Iran’s use of their nuclear program for peaceful purposes. The theoretical-methodological foundation of this research is the theory of “Neorealism” and its outlook on “deterrence theory” in the Middle East. The main conclusion is that due to the tensions in the Middle Eastern region, as well as Iran’s geographical proximity to several countries that possess nuclear weapons and animosity towards the United States, the determination of the Islamic Republic of Iran to develop their own nuclear program seems logical.

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