Iran Nuclear Watch: Big 6 Ready to Approve Iran Incentives and Penalties

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is pictured here in Tehran on 28 May 2006. Ahead of a crucial diplomatic week over Iran’s nuclear program, the United States has expressed optimism about the possibility that leading world powers will reach a consensus on the international standoff.

ASSociated Press: 6 nations plan to sign off on Iran package

Top U.S., Russian, Chinese and European officials plan to sign off this week on a package of incentives and penalties meant to reward Iran if it gives up uranium enrichment â€” and punish it if it doesn’t, diplomats said Monday.

Agreement by the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany could open the way for sanctions if Tehran remains defiant and refuses to abandon technology that can be used to make the fissile core of nuclear warheads.

The meeting of foreign ministers including Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice was set for Thursday in Vienna, said the diplomats, who demanded anonymity for divulging the confidential information.

So, Iran has a couple of options:

1. Object and Stall

2. Comply and Stall

or….

3. Both 1 and 2

Iran covets a nuclear weapon and will pursue a clandestine program unless they are deterred by embargo, extreme sanctions and/or force. Diplomacy has NOT worked and Iran has proceeded with uranium enrichment.Â Ahmadinejad and the Mullahs are on a course to develop sufficient nuclear material to manufacture a weapon.

The proposal also calls for new consultations among the five permanent Security Council members on any further steps against Iran â€” a move meant to dispel complaints by the Russians and Chinese that once the screws on Iran are tightened, the council would automatically move toward military involvement.

Among the possible sanctions are a visa ban on government officials, the freezing of assets, blocking financial transactions by government figures and those involved in the country’s nuclear program, an arms embargo and a blockade on the shipping of refined oil products to Iran.

If Tehran agrees to suspend enrichment, enter new negotiations on its nuclear program and lift a ban on intrusive inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, rewards would include agreement to “suspend discussion of Iran’s file at the Security Council,” as well as help in building a peaceful domestic nuclear program that uses an outside supply of enriched uranium.

Iran will object to this proposal and attempt to stall by a counter-proposal to engage Washington directly.

The sanctions are weak, almost laughable, and Iran will proceed with their clandestine uranium enrichment program.

The “POINT OF NO RETURN” looms.