Going to Tehran: Why America Must Accept the Islamic Republic of Iran

Flynt Leverett and Hillary Mann Leverett present an argument for reconsidering U.S. policy toward Iran. They contend that America has pursued a failed strategy for thirty years and should instead engage with Iran diplomatically, drawing a parallel to Nixon's opening to China. Former analysts in the Bush and Clinton administrations, the authors offer an account of Iran's current political situation based on years of research and access to high-level officials. They argue that Iran's political order remains stable, that most Iranians support the Islamic Republic, and that Iran's regional influence is significant to Middle East developments. The book explains Iran's foreign policy approach and challenges characterizations of it as irrational behavior. The Leveretts contend that continued U.S. saber-rattling toward Iran risks America's superpower status. They address what they describe as misinformed claims pushing America toward conflict with Iran, similar to the fraudulent case made for invading Iraq. The authors argue that direct engagement with Iran is necessary to prevent strategic catastrophe.