End US-Iran impasse with positive talks

When it comes to the standoff on Iran's nuclear programme, adopting extreme measures would not be of benefit to any party involved. In fact, such measures and positions would only escalate tensions in the region, which may eventually lead to dangerous outcomes.

Over the past few days, all the major players have adopted measures that simply complicated the situation further. First came Iran's disregard of the passing of the informal deadline set by the United States, Britain, France, Germany, China, and Russia for talks on the country's nuclear programme.

Then followed the US warning that the United Nations should respond with the imposition of sanctions. "It is clear that the government of Iran has not complied with the international community's demand to stop enriching uranium and isn't even interested in trying," said Richard Grenell, spokesman for the US mission to the UN. And to push matters further to the edge of uncertainty, Iran announced it tested a new weapon for use at sea that is unmatched in the world. It goes without saying that the issue at hand is serious as it affects one of the most sensitive geographical and political regions. It is also important to highlight that not a single party has the right to define how the course of events is to unfold.

The US on the one hand cannot turn its agenda for an all-out war on Iran from that of the international community. On the other hand, Iran also should not keep the world guessing on its nuclear programme. Disturbing peace in the region is as unacceptable as ignoring demands of the international community.

Paving a way out of the current standoff is possible - albeit challenging. But to end the present impasse, all parties have to get involved positively and engage constructively in the negotiations.