Last month, Iran announced its intent to build nuclear-powered submarines. While some may worry that this is yet another Iranian bid for destabilizing power, there is no need to panic. Tehran will be wasting money it does not have on a tool it does not need. Iranian nuclear submarines are not a realistic threat to American security. They may even be a bluff--Tehran has announced plans for a stealth-fighter aircraft and other high-tech weapons that have never seen the light of day. However, the nuclear program shows that the leadership can commit to internationally and financially costly programs for decades if it believes it will gain security and domestic prestige.
Author is a member of the Center for National Interest. |