Kumuda Simpson has produced a carefully researched book on a topic that is so often misunderstood. By placing Iran’s nuclear deal in the broad context of turbulent relations between the United States and Iran, as well as the regional dynamics, Simpson offers a penetrating and comprehensive analysis. This is a must-read for anyone trying to make sense of Iran’s future in the Persian Gulf.

Shahram Akbarzadeh, Professor of Middle East and Central Asian Politics, Deakin University

Kumuda Simpson’s clear-eyed and balanced account of U.S. nuclear policy toward Iran under Bush and Obama shows that history matters. But Simpson’s real contribution to the debate is to show that what matters more are the enduring and mutually disabling effects of the stories the players tell about themselves and the demonized other side. Simpson’s U.S.-Iran lucid case study also provides a a more generally salient guide to pathways out of a security dilemma.

Richard Tanter, senior research associate, Nautilus Institute; professor in the School of Political and Social Studies, University of Melbourne, Australia