Iran,  Iran Nuclear Watch

Iran Nuclear Watch: A Deal to Halt Uranium Enrichment?

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There is a report out that says Iran will halt uranium enrichment if the West lifts international sanctions.

Iran expressed readiness to freeze its uranium enrichment program in return for lifting the international sanctions imposed on it, Israel’s Channel 2 senior analyst Ehud Ya’ari revealed Thursday evening.

He cited unnamed Western officials as the source of the new development.

In the newly formulated deal, incentives were also reportedly discussed, including rebuilding Iran’s fleet of aircraft and aiding the country with civilian nuclear technology.

According to the report, an initial six-week trial period would be implemented.

It sounds to Flap that this is a “trial baloon” for “pre-negotiations” or how to do a period leading up to full-blown negotiations as discussed in this piece. However, the United States is adamant in not beginning negotiations until Iran permanently suspends uranium enrichment.

The United States on Thursday maintained its demand that Iran suspend its uranium enrichment as a condition for Washington participating in formal nuclear talks with Tehran, although it did not rule out less strict pre-negotiations.

“We have talked to the Iranians previously via the P5-plus-1 and Mr. Solana about various ways to get to full-blown negotiations,” State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said, referring to grouping of Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, as well as EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana who has engaged Tehran on nuclear issues.

“In order to get to those full-blown negotiations where you have the US and the other five members of the P5-plus-1 present at the table with the Iranians, they are going to have to suspend their enrichment-related activity.

“And of course there would be a suspension of activities in the (UN) Security Council during that,” McCormack added.

Asked about a formula known as “freeze for freeze” — under which Tehran would freeze its nuclear enrichment program at current levels in exchange for no new UN Security Council sanctions — the spokesman did not deny the possibility of implementing such a proposal ahead of further talks.

But, remember this is the same stalling ploy that Iran always uses before the G-8 meetings each year. And, buying time is in Iran’s interest while the centrifuges spin at Natanz.

The United States had better place any “pre-negotiations” on a fast track with a time certain for progress or Iran will simply wait out the process with their secret nuclear program.

By the way, who will monitor and verify the temporary suspension of uranium enrichment?

The IAEA?

Previous:


Iran Nuclear Watch: The Two Red Lines; Update: Israel is Bluffing?

Iran Nuclear Watch: One Year to Stop Iranian NUKE

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Iran Nuclear Watch: The Red Line

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