Achieving these goals will require a wise combination of engagement and multilateral pressure. Such a policy must be nimble and must recognize that there is no "quick fix." A long-term solution will require resolute efforts and patience.

Sanctions targeting the Iranian regime, its security organs and its nuclear program can be a powerful tool for putting pressure on Iran. At the same time, sanctions are not a policy in themselves. They are valuable only as part of a broader strategy that uses both engagement and pressure to convince Iran to alter its behavior - meaning smart pressure coupled with determined engagement. Sanctions that deliberately inflict suffering on the Iranian people, however, are morally perilous and their efficacy is dubious.

As demonstrated by past experience, engaging Iran will not be easy; indeed it will almost certainly be an arduous process. Nor is its success a foregone conclusion. But such an effort is indispensable if the U.S. is serious about dealing with the challenges Iran poses to U.S. foreign policy and to U.S. national security.

Finally, while the military option should not be taken off the table, it must be recognized as the least desirable and by no means inevitable option of last resort. Military action is far less likely to achieve U.S. goals than resolute, determined U.S. and international engagement and pressure. Military actions would also likely have serious consequences for regional stability, the security of U.S. personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the security of Israel.

APN supports a serious, results-oriented Iran policy, comprising both sanctions and meaningful incentives and founded on direct, determined diplomacy, without preconditions. We believe it is critical to encourage cooperation with U.S. allies to facilitate unified international effort in negotiations with Iran. We also believe it is vital that Congress and the Administration refrain from and reject casual rhetoric about U.S. or Israeli first-strike options.

(Feb. 2011)