Examines Iran's current nuclear potential while charting America's future course of action, recounting the prolonged clash between both nations to outline options for American policymakers.

Coming to the crossroads -- Reality and hyperbole. Iran from the inside out ; The Iranian nuclear program ; The threat of a nuclear Iran ; Proliferation -- Prevention. Setting the scene ; Bigger carrots, bigger sticks ; Regime change ; The Sword of David ; A return to arms -- Containment. The strategy that dare not speak its name ; Deterrence and extended deterrence ; The problem of containment ; Making containment work -- Choosing the least bad option.