Policy Forum 

# A Fork in the Road: The Stark Choices on US-Iran Policy 

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Date and Time 

May 5, 2025 11 AM - 12:30 PM EDT 

Location 

Cato Institute, 1000 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 

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##### Featuring 

![Danny Citrinowicz](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2025-03/Danny%20Citrinowicz%20cropped.jpeg?itok=bAiR2xjJ) 

Danny Citrinowicz 

Research Fellow, Institute for National Security Studies, Tel Aviv University

[ 

](https://twitter.com/citrinowicz) 

![Gregory Brew](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2025-03/Gregory%20Brew%20cropped.jpeg?itok=jztL830n) 

Gregory Brew 

Senior Analyst, Iran and Energy, Eurasia Group

[ 

](https://twitter.com/gbrew24) 

![Negar Mortazavi](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2025-03/Negar%20Mortazavi.jpeg?itok=VV6L3uod) 

Negar Mortazavi 

Senior Fellow, Center for International Policy

[ 

](https://twitter.com/NegarMortazavi) 

[![Jon Hoffman cropped](/sites/cato.org/files/styles/author_picture/public/2024-05/jon-hoffman-portrait-cropped.jpg?itok=_ZK8UIoh)](/people/jon-hoffman) 

[Jon Hoffman](/people/jon-hoffman)

Research Fellow, Cato Institute

[ 

](https://x.com/Hoffman8Jon) [ 

](mailto:jhoffman@cato.org) 

The United States and Iran are on a collision course. Iran is closer to developing a nuclear weapon than at any point in the country’s history. Mixed messages from Washington and Tehran—coupled with rising pressure from hardliners on both sides—are complicating negotiations. Meanwhile, several flashpoints across the Middle East could set off a conflict. The prospects of American or Israeli military action against Tehran are growing, and the window for diplomacy is closing.

Though serious distrust remains between Washington and Tehran and tensions are high, a deal is possible. How the Trump administration chooses to proceed will have far-reaching ramifications.

Join us for a conversation with leading experts who will examine Trump’s options vis-à-vis Iran and the associated costs and benefits for each plan of action.

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