Iran and the Bomb: The Origins and Trajectory of the Iranian Nuclear Program

Among the many reasons for the long hostility between the U.S. and Iran that has twice erupted into warfare over the past year is fear that Iran would develop nuclear weapons. To understand the origins and possible trajectory of this program, the Stimson Center has invited Sina Azodi, author of a ground-breaking new book, “Iran and the Bomb,” to discuss his findings, which include interviews with Iranians who began the country’s nuclear work under the Shah, as well as those who pursued the program following the 1979 revolution. Azodi examines the motives for Iran’s nuclear advances and the ways in which they have remained consistent despite changes in the regime and the regional and international political climate. Nuclear and arms control advocate Kelsey Davenport will contribute expert analysis of U.S. policy toward Iran, its successes and failures, and possible solutions to promote non-proliferation and conflict resolution.