This article reviews recent coercive measures taken by the United
States in order to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons
and argues that an engagement policy is more likely to achieve
success. Coercive approaches have included threatening a military strike, levying UN sanctions, and supporting EU economic
offers, but they have not been successful in encouraging Iran to
change its present course. Although the current administration
is pursuing an engagement policy, it is more likely to achieve
success if it articulates its approach with more substance and
precision. This should consist of two dimensions. Firstly, the
United States should encourage Russia to be at the forefront
of diplomatic efforts since its strategic position to both the
United States and Iran makes it an appropriate mediator on
the nuclear issue. Secondly, the United States must strengthen
its democracy promotion efforts directly among the Iranian
people, which will reinforce the democratic movement in Iran
in the long run
