The Dispatch Podcast
When A Weak Iran Goes Nuclear | Interview: Michael Singh
Feb 3, 2025
Michael Singh, managing director at The Washington Institute, draws on his extensive expertise in Middle East policy. He discusses the precarious situation of a weakened Iran potentially going nuclear. Topics include Iran's military challenges, the significance of its proxy operations, and the strategies needed to prevent a nuclear threat. Singh emphasizes the necessity of a maximum pressure campaign and the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations. He also predicts Iran's nuclear capabilities by 2029 and the need for a collaborative approach from the U.S. and Israel.
50:45
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Quick takeaways
- Iran's proximity to achieving nuclear capabilities amidst its weakened military state presents a precarious threat to regional stability.
- The proposed U.S. strategy combines economic pressure and support for internal opposition to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Deep dives
Iran's Current Nuclear Threat
Iran is now closer than ever to developing a nuclear weapon, with a breakout time reduced to just a few days. This means that if Iran decides to pursue nuclear armament, it could produce enough highly enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon within a week. The current Iranian regime is more vulnerable than it has been since 1979, having suffered significant military setbacks against Israeli forces. Yet, this paradox of being both exposed and close to nuclear capability presents a dangerously volatile situation for the region.
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