A former senior US official instrumental in crafting sanctions against Iran during the Obama administration argued in an op-ed that while Washington prepares for potential military action, diplomacy should be given one final chance.

Writing in Foreign Affairs on Thursday in an article titled “A Last Chance for Iran,” Richard Nephew weighed the virtues of negotiation and conflict with Washington's top Mideast foe.

Nephew, a former State Department sanctions expert, observed that Iran’s nuclear program had reached a critical stage, with the country now possessing nearly all the components required to produce a nuclear weapon.

At the same time, the international coalition enforcing sanctions has fractured, with nations such as China, India, and Russia undermining pressure efforts. This, he argues, complicates the path to a diplomatic resolution but does not negate its necessity.

Diplomacy alone, he cautioned, may not suffice. While military action carries significant risks, including the likelihood of only delaying Iran’s nuclear ambitions and potentially escalating regional instability, Nephew contends that the alternative, a nuclear-armed Iran, poses long-term dangers.

These include triggering a regional arms race and eroding US credibility in managing global non-proliferation efforts.

Nephew underscored the urgency of strategic preparation, advocating for a dual-track approach: a final, genuine attempt at negotiations to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions paired with readiness to act militarily should diplomacy fail. He emphasized that the stakes demand a calibrated response that addresses the immediate risks while preparing for the broader implications of a nuclear-capable Iran.

This is after US President-elect Donald Trump during an interview with Time magazine last month declined to rule out the possibility of war with Iran. His remarks came despite his repeated campaign assertions that he was not seeking to overthrow Tehran’s theocratic rulers through military force.

When asked by a Time reporter about the likelihood of war with Iran, referring to allegations by US law enforcement that Iran had plotted to assassinate him, Trump responded, "Anything can happen. Anything can happen. It's a very volatile situation."