ABSTRACT
This chapter presents several options or scenarios that could lead to improved or normalized relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States. Most involve the key issue of Iran's nuclear weapons program. The relationship between Iran and the United States has been contentious, and is the first fourth generation war. An American administration would pay a high political price in elections if an invasion was long and drawn out or brinksmanship resulted in another hostile regime. From the American position engagement would entail the 'Grand Bargain', meaning that diplomatic relations would be resumed, the nuclear weapons program would be halted, support for Syria and Hezbollah would be discontinued. Air strikes on Iranian nuclear weapons facilities involve a relatively high level of US coercion while entailing the expenditure of relatively little political capital. The US calculation is based upon two variables: the expenditure of political capital and the level of coercion the administration would be willing to apply.
