The current U.S. military operation in Iran faces criticism for its lack of a coherent strategy, contrasting with Ronald Reagan's methodical approach to Cold War arms control.
Key facts
- •The military operation in Iran has cost at least $37.5 billion over nearly six months.
- •President Trump has not sought congressional authorization for the war in Iran.
- •Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev held summits in Geneva, Reykjavik, and Washington between 1985 and 1987.
- •Secretary of State George Shultz maintained secret communication channels with Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin starting in 1983.
- •The U.S. Senate ratified the INF Treaty on May 27, 1988, with a 93-5 vote.
The ongoing military operation in Iran, which has lasted nearly six months and cost at least $37.5 billion, is marked by chaotic negotiations and shifting administration goals. While President Trump has not sought congressional authorization for the conflict, the White House appears to be pursuing a deal that would leave the Iranian regime in place with degraded capabilities. This approach stands in contrast to the diplomatic strategies employed by President Ronald Reagan to reach arms-control agreements with the Soviet Union.
By the numbers
The Current Conflict in Iran
Administration statements regarding the war's objectives have been contradictory, ranging from regime change and the destruction of nuclear capabilities to securing the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate a lack of a clear strategy within the White House, with policy direction sometimes influenced by social media posts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has only gradually increased his involvement in deliberations within a State Department described as depleted of expertise.
Reagan's Path to Arms Control
Following his 1981 inauguration, Ronald Reagan initially focused on military expansion and aggressive rhetoric toward the Soviet Union. However, the emergence of Mikhail Gorbachev in 1985 provided an opportunity for diplomatic engagement. Supported by Secretary of State George Shultz, who valued multilateral diplomacy and maintained secret communication channels with Soviet officials, Reagan engaged in three summits between 1985 and 1987. Despite opposition from conservative hard-liners, Reagan persisted in negotiations, ultimately signing the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 1987.
The Role of Diplomacy and Expertise
The success of the INF Treaty relied on Reagan's collaboration with skilled foreign policy experts and his willingness to adapt his positions. George Shultz played a central role in vetting proposals and maintaining the negotiation process, even when talks stalled over the Strategic Defense Initiative. The Senate eventually ratified the treaty on May 27, 1988, by a vote of 93-5, marking a significant breakthrough in Cold War relations.
Timeline
- 1982George Shultz became secretary of state.
- 1983Reagan held a secret meeting with Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin.
- 1985Mikhail Gorbachev became the leader of the Soviet Union and held the first summit with Reagan in Geneva.
- 1986Reagan and Gorbachev met for a second summit in Reykjavik, Iceland.
- 1987Reagan and Gorbachev met in Washington and signed the INF Treaty.
- May 27, 1988The U.S. Senate ratified the INF Treaty.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Foreign Policy.
