The crucial nuclear talks between Iran and world powers is revving into top gear, if one endorses the views of Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javed Zarif.
A closer audit however reveals that nuts and bolts still need to be put in place for the process to move forward smoothly, chief among which is the West’s insistence that Tehran dismantle its nuclear facilities. Clarity of focus and approach is necessary in these dialogues when the next round commences from May 13.
While Zarif may insist that agreement by both sides has been reached in at least 50-60 per cent of the issues, the crucial module of Iran scaling down its ballistic missile programme still needs to be addressed vigorously. The shelving of this is crucial for regional and world peace given Tehran’s propensity for mindless sabre-rattling among its neighbours. This is why the authorities who are sitting across the table from their Iranian counterparts are evincing cautious optimism with regard to absolute progress. They are aware that a small error in judgement, or a hastily fashioned argument, could torpedo all that has been achieved thus far. This explains why the big picture still has not begun to take shape. Diplomatic tactics and political gamesmanship could see Tehran ensuring that the talks are stretched right down to the wire — the deadline for achieving a final deal expires on July 20 — after which it can reactivate its nuclear programme.
In the background of this dialogue rests the sombre assurance of Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to his country’s hardliners that his country’s activities in nuclear research and development will never be stalled. This undertaking hangs like a sword over negotiators from both sides. It has a propensity to create ambiguity, thus creating a trust deficit.
There are also countries that can throw a spanner in the works during these negotiations thanks to their respective diplomatic schedules with Iran. Sanctions can be undermined by this, but despite the various intricacies that exist the world cannot stand by while another potential crisis begins to unfold.
