Today, the Committee meets to assess another threat to our national security – the current challenges posed by Iran and to discuss what options we have to confront that threat. Earlier this year (February 1, 2006), we held a hearing where we heard from witnesses who addressed the potentially catastrophic implications of a nuclear Iran. This morning, barely four months later, we continue to remain engaged and focused on this critical issue and look forward to the testimony of two experts on the Middle East and Iran. They are Dr. Patrick Clawson, Deputy Director for Research, Washington Institute for Near East Policy and Mr. Ray Takeyh, Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, Council on Foreign Relations.