Strategic Assessment

Hassan Rouhani’s sweeping victory in Iran’s June 14 presidential election marks an important, refreshing change in Iranian politics. It reflects a desire for change in Iran regarding domestic policy and foreign policy, and the new president is well aware of the people’s high expectations. Focusing on internal Iranian dynamics, this article addresses three principal questions: to what extent is there potential for real change in Iran’s policy; what factors underlie the drive for change in Iran; and what are the prospects for a significant shift in relations with the West, particularly regarding the Iranian nuclear program, which continues to follow the program’s tight schedule and stride consistently toward the critical threshold.