BLUF
Iran faces unprecedented economic pressure and possible military action if a deal isn’t reached. This article argues the war-hardened leadership will resist initially, but sanctions, shrinking oil revenues, and internal unrest could eventually force concessions.Learning Outcomes
- Analyse the rationale and likely effects of the United States' "maximum pressure" strategy toward Iran, including the use of economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and military deterrence.
- Explain how Iran’s political leadership and the legacy of the Iran-Iraq War influence the regime’s resilience, decision-making, and response to external pressure.
- Evaluate the key indicators of regime stability in Iran, including economic performance, oil export revenues, public unrest, security force cohesion, and regional security dynamics.
