This article examines whether economic deterrence would be enough to dissuade Iran from “going nuclear” or would it instead give rise to a new series of conflict. It also questions if it is important to deter Iran and points out that US led Western pressure and sanctions are being resisted by other countries, notably China and Russia which, in reaction are forming a de facto Eurasian alliance. They are highly interested in keeping Iran as a customer and a supplier of energy resources. On the other hand, it is doubtful that Iran, even if it wished to do so, would have the ability to make nuclear weapons in the near or medium term and its supreme leader has declared on various occasions that the country does not intend to acquire such weapons. However, faced with Western and Israeli hostility and hypocrisy on the issue of WMDs Iran is morally justified to take all steps to protect itself from threats of destruction and invasion. The US should hence abandon its double standards and start honest negotiations with the Islamic Republic.
