Table of contents : Table of Contents List of Tables and Boxes Preface 1. Introductions: Setting the Scene for Iran's Emergence as a Nuclear Power 2. The Deterrence Dynamics of an Iran with Nuclear Weapons Does the Nature of the Regime Matter? Model I: A Defensive Iran Model II: An Aggressive Iran Model III: An Unstable Iran 3. Considerations Influencing Iran's Nuclear Emergence A Defensive Iran's Nuclear Posture, Doctrinal Priorities, and Force Posture (Model I) An Aggressive Iran that Flexes Its Muscles (Model II) An Unstable Iran and the Deterrence of Rogue ELements and Nonstate Actors (Model III) 4. Nuclear Weapons Operationalization: What Type of Nuclear Force? Model I: A Defensive Deterrent Model II: An Offensive Deterrent for an Aggressive Iran Model III: An Unstable Iran and the Need to Deter Regime Elements 5. Implications for U.S. Strategic and Operational Planning Iran as Catalyst for a New Deterrence Dynamic Among Nuclear States Israel and the Challenges of Catalytic Warfare Of Dyads, Triads, and the Need for a New Deterrence Paradigm Relating to a Nuclear Iran 6. U.S. Deterrence Planning in the Event of an Iranian Nuclear Breakout Declaratory Policy, Escalation Control, and Strategic Communications Offensive-Strike Options and Preventive Planning Reassuring Allies/Coalition Partners in the Face of Iranian Proliferation Assuring and Dissuading Israel in the Face of an Iranian Nuclear Breakout Missile Defenses and Consequence-Management Considerations 7. Dealing with a Nuclear Iran and Asymmetric Challenges Hezbollah and Asymmetric Operations Nuclear Weapons and Asymmetric Operations Deterring Rogue Elements of Nonstate Armed Groups Deterrence Planning for the Twenty-First Century 8. U.S. Deterrence Planning and Iran Extended Deterrence in the "Second Nuclear Age" Cyberwarfare and Network Operations Notes Index