Just a few days into the new year, 2020 began with high tensions between the United States and Iran. Kicked off by a US airstrike that killed a leading Iranian general and followed by Iranian missile strikes on bases in Iraq housing US troops, many feared that military conflict could be imminent. One question that raised particular alarm was the prospect that nuclear weapons might be involved. The situation has, fortunately, calmed down, but confusion about the relationship between Iran’s nuclear power program and its ability to build a nuclear weapon, as well as US options for using nuclear weapons against Iran, remains.

Iran, the United States, and Nuclear Weapons: Questions and Answers
January 16, 2020 3:33 PM EDT

Scientists to Congress: The Iran Deal is a Keeper
October 31, 2017 11:12 AM EDT
The July 2015 Iran Deal, which places strict, verified restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities, is again under attack by President Trump. This time he’s kicked responsibility over to Congress to “fix” the agreement and promised that if Congress fails to do so, he will withdraw from it.
As the New York Times reported, in response to this development over 90 prominent scientists sent a letter to leading members of Congress yesterday urging them to support the Iran Deal—making the case that continued US participation will enhance US security. Read more >

Don’t Make the Same Mistake on Iran that Bush Made on North Korea
October 6, 2017 3:08 PM EDT
Press reports say President Trump will likely not certify Iranian compliance with the Iran nuclear deal in the near future, setting up a situation in which Congress can reimpose sanctions and effectively end US compliance with the deal. Read more >
Simorgh Launch: Iran’s Bigger Ride to Space Gets off the Ground
July 30, 2017 6:00 AM EDT
Iranian press has announced a successful launch of the Simorgh space launch vehicle.

Congress Forcing MDA to Choose Missile Defense Site It Does Not Want
February 8, 2017 11:14 AM EDT
Sometime in early 2017, and it could be any day now, one of the communities on the map below (designated by red dots) will get big news from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Congress mandated the MDA to choose a preferred location in case the United States decides to build an additional deployment site for the Ground-based Midcourse (GMD) System missile defense. Read more >