My article provides two important analytical sections, on #lessons to guide the #US and #West on future nuclear talks with Iran, and on the future of the non-proliferation regime based on the Iranian nuclear experience.

Based on firsthand interviews, my piece demonstrates when and why Iran proceeded to decide to build the knowhow for #nuclear #weapons. It then narrates the #hadith that bars the use of those weapons, based on a battlefield ruling by the Prophet Muhammad against use of mass poison

My piece highlights the story behind the supreme leader's #fatwa, based on interviews, banning the use of nuclear weapons but not the knowhow to acquire one. This helps the leader retain elite consensus b/c the majority of #Shia clerics argue that the use of #WMDs violate Sharia.

Tipping itself against perceived #Western elite hegemony to control its nuclear program, Iran's counter-hegemonic elite consensus process focuses on #religious and #ideational indoctrination to maintain the ranks and fight back.

My piece argues that elite consensus in Iran is to buy time to retain and build up a strong #nuclear program, no matter the consequence. It shows the reason behind and the process by which #elite consensus is built.