AN ANALYSIS OF THE U.S. NUCLEAR WAR PLANS AND MILITARY THREAT ASSESSMENT OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN

The main objective of this article is to examine the U.S. nuclear war plans, which have led to the transformation of the grand strategy of the United States since 1945, and they have also a significant impact on the nuclear programs of the nuclear – weapon states (NWS), defense policies of NATO and international security. Research questions include: What are the similarities and differences in U.S. nuclear war plans? Is there any credible information about U.S. nuclear forces deployed outside its territory, particularly in the Middle East? What are the main differences between the Obama administration's nuclear strategy and the past U.S. strategies? What are the implications of U.S. nuclear war plans for the national security of non-nuclear – weapon states (NNWS), and especially for the Islamic Republic of Iran? The overall conclusion of this analytical investigation is that the U.S. nuclear war plans and its nuclear forces have created tension in international relations, and have consequently had an adverse impact on national security of Iran and the other non – nuclear – weapon states.