Is Regime Change a Solution For the Iranian Nuclear Crisis?

ABSTRACT: Since 2002, the Iranian nuclear crisis had drawn the attention of the international community and – despite renewed negotiations in the 5+1 formula – remains one of the most salient threats to international security. The ineffectiveness of preventive means already deployed in a bid to solve the Iranian nuclear crisis, has raised the prospect of utilising other, more robust methods such as the use of armed force for the purpose of regime change. The problem is not only related to the feasibility of regime change option but also to its utility in stopping the Iranian nuclear programme, since large parts of the Iranian population support the programme. This article analyses the strengths and the chances of success of such policy as well as its weaknesses and the factors that indicate the possibility of a failure on the medium and long term if this option is chosen.

KEYWORDS: Iran, nuclear programme, nuclear proliferation, regime change, armed force