Strategic Studies Quarterly

Abstract This article explores the underlying factors behind the convergence and divergence of views of the United States and Europe on the Islamic Republic of Iran. In addition to investigating past trends and experiences, the authors have put forward the theory that the extent of divergence and convergence of the US and Europe on Iran depends on the level of Washington's success in presenting the Islamic Republic as a security threat to Europe. The more success the US has achieved in this regard, the closer their views have been on the Islamic Republic. Similarities in strategies and policies adopted by Europe and the US, the alliance between their leaders, the extent to which they approve of each other's policies under different administrations and the Islamic Republic of Iran's foreign policy are factors which determine whether Europe would align itself with the US that could eventually lead to either a transatlantic divergence or convergence on Iran. 

Abstract Based on the findings of the paper, continuous uneven development in Iran has led to problems as follows: continuation of migration from less developed regions to developed regions, inequality in population density, growing density of the population in developed regions, rising of marginalization around metropolitans, increasing risks for biosphere centers and tensions in utilization of the resources. These problems, in the medium and long term can lead to threat of social solidarity and cohesion, fragile national economy and political divergence which pose a threat against national security.