Can America and Its Allies Tolerate a Nuclear Iran, or Is It Time to Stop Them Now?, A DebateCan America and Its Allies Tolerate a Nuclear Iran, or Is It Time to Stop Them Now?, A Debate

Iran's nuclear ambitions and military capabilities are at a critical juncture. American officials warn that Iran is on the verge of producing the necessary quantity of enriched uranium to weapons-grade levels, which would enable the nation to assemble an operational nuclear weapon very soon. With the Middle East's largest ballistic missile arsenal, Iran could thus pose a significant threat to Israel and parts of Europe. Those who call for the United States and its allies to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon-by military force if necessary-argue that this is a "now or never" moment for the United States to act to stabilize the region and protect global security. America cannot tolerate a nuclear Iran, they contend, and acting now would safeguard U.S. interests and send a clear message to Iran's allies, such as Russia and North Korea. Those who believe that the United States and its allies can tolerate a nuclear Iran argue that while it's not an ideal situation, it is a manageable one. A military strike on Iran could unleash a larger, unpredictable conflict, they contend, and U.S. interests would be better served by diplomatic engagement and negotiation. As tensions rise in the Middle East, can America and its allies tolerate a nuclear Iran, or is it time to stop them now?