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Nuclear Talks: Time Running Out

Nuclear Talks:  Time Running Out
Nuclear Talks:  Time Running Out

President Rouhani’s recent visit to Tajikistan has raised concerns among a minority who alleges the president’s attempt to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is a sign that Tehran might be distancing from the west, as Rouhani urged SCO member states to unite against western sanctions, which have been excessively used in recent years as a leverage in international political affairs.

Given the fact that almost all political groups and circles have agreed on resumption of nuclear talks, this time directly with the US, such a case may not be based on sound reasoning.

Some analysts in Tehran fear that the Rouhani’s visit to Dushanbe to attend the 14th SCO summit and to show eagerness to join the regional group could be interpreted as sign that Tehran is working to shape a new political front to neutralize western economic sanctions, right in the middle of key nuclear talks.

The evidence for the claim that Tehran is not determined enough to break the ice of relations with the west, namely the United States, is nowhere to be found. Thirty five years of lack of relationship have made both sides – Tehran and Washington – extremely cautious, fearful and pessimistic toward each other.

In the past year, Tehran’s nuclear talks with the P5+1 group have eased sanctions for the exchange for Iran addressing western concerns over its nuclear energy program. Iran expects further progress to be achieved so that they would end a decade-long dispute with the west.         

ajikistan can logically be a move to address rising regional security challenges and threats in the short or medium run. In the long run, Tehran is willing to develop a diverse foreign policy agenda, which would cover both eastern and western nations if authorities in Washington do not push hard in the negotiations.

It would be a win-win situation if a “comprehensive” deal is reached through November.

Boeing already started negotiating with Iran aerospace companies, namely Iran Air. The giant American multinational aircraft manufacturing company’s deal defines terms and conditions with respect to the potential sale of airplane parts, manuals, drawings, service bulletins, and navigation charts and data.

The potential deal, which would be the first between a US aerospace company and Iran since 1979, could be a starting point for ambitious corporations from both sides to step in and to eventually help affect, in a positive way, the political and trade relations after years of passiveness. To that end, top negotiators in Tehran and Washington should avoid losing focus on one principle: failure may constitute the last chance in decades to get rid of antagonism.   

Financialtribune.com