The US attempt to compel Iran, backed by both implicit and explicit threats of use of force, becomes ineffective because of three primary factors: the US threats lack credibility, the demands made by the US are too much to be accepted by Iran, and the US is unable to provide reassurances..
The tension between the US and Iran has escalated to a historic level since the US decided to withdraw from the landmark nuclear deal – officially known as JCPOA – which was signed in July 2015 between Iran and a group of six countries led by the US. Subsequent developments have prompted fears of direct military conflict. With reference to the coercion literature, this report will analyse the US coercion against Iran and discuss the factors that render US military superiority ineffective in coercing Iran into changing its behaviour. The author argues that the US attempt to compel Iran, backed by both implicit and explicit threats of use of force, becomes ineffective because of three primary factors: the US threats lack credibility, the demands made by the US are too much to be accepted by Iran, and the US is unable to provide reassurances to Iran.
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