Generic discussion of Iran nuclear talks and potential US‑Iran summit

wants: such as sanctions relief; acceptance of its right under the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty to enrich uranium to a low level for peaceful purposes; recognition of its security interests, of the legitimacy of its Islamic regime born out of the 1979 revolution, and of its place in the region as a major power. The P5+1, which are due to meet Iran later this month, remain so divided that they are unlikely to improve substantially on their previous miserly offer, which was to provide Iran with some airplane spare parts if it gave up uranium enrichment to 20% -- its trump card. It is the paralysis of Iran’s dealings with the P5+1 that has lent credence to the idea that the best hope of a breakthrough may lie in bilateral U.S.- Iranian talks -- perhaps even a summit meeting between President Obama and Ayatollah Khomeini. For such a summit to be successful the United States would have to change its approach. Iran’s supreme leader has made clear that Iran will not negotiate under threat of attack. There would have to be give and take. Above all, Iran wants to be treated with respect. This is the challenge facing Obama. It is worth remembering that there is as yet no evidence whatsoever that Iran has decided to build nuclear weapons. Nor has it developed a reliable delivery system. Instead, it has focussed its efforts on HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_025055