U.S. Policy Towards an Emerging Iranian-Shia Hegemon

Iran is pursuing a public nuclear policy, which will lead it into regional power status. The Persian Gulf is a vital region for its natural resources that America and its trading powers require to maintain their economies. A disruption of Persian Gulf petroleum production and export will have a global economic impact. The United States has provided security in the Persian Gulf in the past. In order to avoid a conflict with a burgeoning nuclear power in this vital region, the United States must engage Iran immediately and if required, unilaterally. Iran is a complex nation with aspirations to become a respected power in the region. Its threats directed at Israel draw on the popular Muslim target in order to deflect internal criticism and unify Arab Muslim hatred towards the Jewish state. Iran's leaders employ scare tactics on their own population in order to consolidate power against foreign threats. Iran's penchant for nuclear power and eventually a nuclear weapon can bring this bustling Persian Gulf state a greater stake in the geopolitical game. Iran is a proud state with a desire to regain its ancient glory and become a regional hegemon again, thus gaining international respect. Iran is also a pragmatic power on the rise. It is pursuing greater economic and diplomatic relations with foreign states and corporations; this follows a long period of extreme isolation and tragic warfare. Iranian leaders, including moderates and conservatives, use policies to increase the investment within and the exportation of natural resources, thus creating the co-dependant relationship of oil producer and user. Iran is a rational actor that uses some uncommon methods of foreign policy and communicating its policy objectives. There are five recommended actions along the lines of the elements of national power within a United States engagement policy towards an emerging Iranian hegemon. First, the United States should normalize diplomatic relations with Iran in order to dialogue dir