With the recent and ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, the Middle East is facing a major regional conflict, a humanitarian crisis, and a long-awaited peace. In this complex context, the United States is at a crossroads, its policies and engagement under global scrutiny. This moment in history calls for more than business-as-usual diplomacy. It requires a bold vision—a reimagined approach—that transcends traditional boundaries and charts a path to sustainable peace. Such a vision requires that the United States redefine its engagement in the Middle East. Through innovative strategies and a commitment to genuine cooperation, the United States can play a pivotal role in ushering in an era of peace and stability. But to achieve this, we must first confront hard truths, challenge the status quo, and embrace the possible.
Many prominent scholars from a wide range of disciplines at American universities point out that the first truth is that endless negotiations, partial sanctions, and attempts to appease the Tehran regime have failed. These efforts have failed to stabilize the region or satisfy the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people. Such calls for change have gained momentum since 2022 with multiple joint letters addressed to the President, supported by more than 4,400 professors and professors. A unified call for change has emerged that highlights the inadequacy of current U.S. policy.
The second truth speaks to the Iranian people’s pursuit of a nuclear-free, secular republic, amplified by the widespread protests and mass boycott of the March parliamentary elections. Rejection of the regime is even more evident with the ongoing nationwide movement to boycott the June presidential elections following the sudden death of Ebrahim Raisi in May 2024. Both events signal a deep demand for regime change in Tehran. The Iranian people’s demand for change is consistent with American ideals of freedom and autonomy and recalls historical instances where unity has spurred substantial change in other parts of the world. Yet a long-standing strategy of appeasing Tehran has been fruitless, failing to spur meaningful reforms or curb its disruptive behavior abroad.
Iran is further increasing its stockpile of enriched uranium to near weapons-grade levels, watchdog reports
A shift in strategy to take a firm stance against repression, following the example of the global opposition that ended South Africa’s apartheid regime, is therefore essential. This begins with the United States ending its appeasement policy toward Tehran and adopting a more aggressive approach, leveraging political and economic sanctions to encourage real change. A stable and prosperous Middle East in which Iran is a non-nuclear, secular republic is not just a dream, it is an achievable goal. By rallying allies to isolate the Tehran regime politically and economically and tightening sanctions against those guilty of human rights violations, the United States can significantly help the Iranian people achieve their right to self-determination and achieve such a goal.
The U.S. Navy is facing its fiercest fighting since World War II against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The third truth highlighted by the academic calls to action is not merely an expression of concern but a pressing demand for urgent change, highlighting a broad consensus on the need for a transformative approach in the Middle East. Tehran’s interference through groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis is a major obstacle for regional actors seeking a peaceful Middle East. Through proxy wars, Tehran diverts important attention from secular groups such as Fatah, whose main objective is to establish a sovereign state within the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and improve the welfare of the Palestinian people. Tehran’s interference through Hamas undermines Fatah’s influence both among the Palestinians and on the international stage. This has earned the Tehran regime the title of “head of the serpent” both domestically and in the region.
This moment is a pivotal opportunity, especially for the Iranian, Palestinian and Israeli peoples, and a chance they deserve. The United States must recognize the urgency of supporting the call for change in Iran. Regionally, it is vital that we unify the pursuit of a two-state solution and address Palestinian statehood and Israel’s security. This strategy will provide the foundation for a comprehensive peace that reflects our shared aspirations for dignity, security and prosperity.
Academic consensus points to a failure not only to quell instability in the Middle East, but also to recognize Iran’s pleas for democracy. Inspired by historical precedents such as the dismantling of the apartheid regime in South Africa through firm pressure and decisive policies, it is clear that the United States can embark on a new path – one that champions Iran’s democratic aspirations and works toward a peaceful Middle East.
Kazem Kazerounian is professor and dean of the School of Engineering at the University of Connecticut.
