Journal of Political Strategy

Genealogy, Power Network Structure, and Asymmetric Economic Warfare Mechanisms of the Group "United Against Nuclear Iran" (UANI): An Examination of the Role of Lobbies and Pro-Zionist Networks in U.S. Foreign Policy

Volume 10, Issue 4 - Serial Number 39
Autumn 2026
Pages 181-199
Journal of Political Strategy

Document Type : Original Independent Original Article

Author

Seyyed Mohsen Rabiei Hashemi

Islamic Azad University, Tehran South Branch

Abstract
The organization "United Against Nuclear Iran" (UANI) stands as a prominent example of the convergence of neoconservative lobbies, Zionist financial networks, and Western security-intelligence apparatuses—structured as a non-profit entity operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. tax code.

Drawing upon the "Advocacy Coalition Framework" (developed by Sabatier and Jenkins-Smith) and the "elite-network institutionalism" approach, this study seeks to answer a central question: How does UANI—by forging links between Zionist financial networks, bipartisan intelligence-security elites, and corporate sanctions campaigns—reproduce and entrench a regime of economic warfare and international isolation against Iran?

The findings reveal that, with over three-quarters of its budget funded by Zionist billionaires such as Thomas Kaplan, Sheldon Adelson, and Michael Steinhardt, UANI has extended the sanctions strategy well beyond the realm of mere legal regulation. By devising mechanisms such as "risk-aversion" tactics, "naming and shaming" campaigns, and real-time tracking of commodity and energy flows, the organization has operationalized sanctions. It has played a pivotal role in blocking financial lifelines, severing SWIFT connectivity, targeting Iran’s core industrial sectors (including automotive, shipping, telecommunications, and ports), and facilitating regional coalitions between Tel Aviv and the Arab capitals of the Persian Gulf.

Keywords

United Against Nuclear Iran
economic warfare
Zionist lobby
patron-client coalition theory
Mark Wallace
smart sanctions
Subjects

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