After over a decade of diplomatic parry and thrust, the imposition of back-breaking sanctions and a very high trust deficit, the rest of the world and Iran are picking their way through the finer features of an accord that could clinch the possibility of a nuclear deal.

The elements of the deal, which is still being debated by the principal stakeholders, apart, there should be one absolute caveat: Iran should not be allowed the facility of enrichment, which leads to the manufacture of nuclear weapons. The prospect of this could totally alter the balance of power in the Middle East and lead to most nations watching over their backs.

Dialogue is welcome. It is a strategy that mature nations apply in the face of hostilities that can only lead to wide ranging implications. Successful results from such interaction could be a turning point for Tehran and its people who are seeing their economy and welfare being slowly but methodically reduced to ruins, thanks to the government’s outdated, uncompromising attitude.

To this extent Iranian President Hassan Rouhani must attempt to reconcile with the world in return for sanctions to be eased, by March 31, provided the framework of a comprehensive agreement is agreed upon by all parties, thus allowing Iran to make a dignified entry into the global mainstream. The details of any agreement, if reached, must be examined with a fine-tooth comb because at this juncture significant gaps still remain.

Iran must display a political will to cooperate and meet the expectations of the rest of the world and for this it must be transparent across a broad spectrum of issues, but most specifically about their capability to enrich uranium and produce plutonium for considerations that are outside the sphere of civilian use. This would call for regular and thorough inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The writing is on the wall though Iran is displaying selective vision. The country’s administrators are on the verge of a unique opportunity. The future is theirs to covet or throw away.