“The failure of the latest round of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program will likely bring calls for changes in the American approach — for bilateral engagement, for an “endgame proposal,” or even for reconsideration of the merits of “containment” of a nuclear-weapons-capable Iran. One such proposal — focusing on strengthening the U.S. “diplomatic track” with Iran — was put forward recently by The Iran Project, a group of distinguished former U.S. officials.

There is much in the report with which I agree. In particular, the report is correct to observe that neither sanctions nor engagement alone will accomplish U.S. aims and that a combination of policy tools will be required. It is also right to begin with an assessment of U.S. and Iranian interests and objectives, which should be the starting point for any successful policy.

However, I would differ with the report on four vital issues and thus reach different conclusions regarding the way forward on Iran policy.

First, the report conflates the objectives and interests of Iran writ large with those of the Iranian regime. The principal-agent problem that bedevils even democratic governments is particularly pronounced in authoritarian regimes, such as Iran’s, which are not accountable to an electorate. Care must therefore be taken to distinguish between Iranian national interests and regime interests.”

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