Planning for a Post-Khomeini Iran


 

Publication Date: December 1987

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): James A. Phillips

Research Area: Government

Keywords: Middle East

Type: Report

Coverage: Iran

Abstract:

The U.S. should not be too ready to restore working relations with Iran because that will reduce American leverage, strengthen Iran's bargaining position, and encourage the Iranians to overestimate their own importance. Washington should make it clear that while it can help save Iran from the Soviets, it cannot save Iranians from themselves. As long as Iran remains unappreciative of the incentives that the U.S. offers to modify Iran's revolutionary policies, Washington must continue patiently to apply firm disincentives.