Iranians optimistic about amicable deal with West

Dubai: Iran is very close to achieving its political goals after its confrontation with the West over its uranium enrichment issue and Iranians will soon secure US endorsement of the nation that will allow it to play a leading strategic role in the region.

The majority of Iranians, according to a research centre in Tehran, believe the threat of a military strike against Iran is over and a new chapter in relations with the west and neighbouring nations is about to evolve. Strategists and analysts speaking to Gulf News from Tehran said Iranians are optimistic about reaching an honourable solution with the west not only over nuclear enrichment issues but over other strategic issues including a major role in the region's security.

Dr Mohammad Saleh Sadiqian, Political Science Professor at Tehran University told Gulf News Iran is using its nuclear issue as a test case and the outcome of the tussle will shape the region's political future.

Major power

More importantly, he said Iran is seeking western recognition as a major power in the region and wants to have decisive power over security in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and even the Middle East, including Palestine.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Thursday conditions had been prepared for international "cooperation" with Iran in the nuclear field. He reiterated Iran would not retreat "one iota" on its right to a sovereign nuclear programme. Ahmadinejad welcomed cooperation on nuclear fuel, power plants and technology and restated the Iranian stand to cooperate over the issue.

Mashallah Shamsolvaezin, Senior Advisor at the Middle East Strategic Studies Centre in Tehran, said Iranians had presented the world with super negotiating skills in the nuclear issue compared with the Libyan and Korean models.

He said Iran had taken the decision not to confront the west over its nuclear rights, but at the same time was very aware western powers were very much interested in maintaining Iranian stability in the volatile region.