iran makes the world look foolish again. the iranians get to say that they agreed in principle, but the deal broke down over minor details. you can't hardly impose sanctions over quibbles like these. although, it's good that this agreement is likely to die, since it PRESUMED that iran was -- and would continue to -- enriching uranium. it actually validated their enrichment activities.
engagement is a fool's errand. it will only get you left at the alter.
Iran's conditions push nuclear deal close to collapseHopes of a diplomatic breakthrough over Iran's nuclear programme were dwindling tonight after Tehran demanded changes to a uranium exchange deal that European diplomats described as "unacceptable".
If the deal collapses, as seemed likely, the apparent progress made over Tehran's nuclear programme in recent weeks would evaporate, the diplomats said. It would deliver another critical blow to the Obama administration's policy of engagement, and put international sanctions and Israeli military action back on the table.
The uranium deal, agreed in principle in Geneva at the beginning of the month, involved Iran shipping out most of its enriched uranium and, in return, being provided about a year later with fuel rods for its research reactor in Tehran.
Iran's response, delivered after a week's delay to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), was not made public, but according to diplomats familiar with the details, Tehran demanded two big changes. They would only ship their uranium out in batches, and only hand it over at the same time the French-made fuel rods were delivered.
That would remove the element of the deal that made it attractive to the west: the temporary removal of most of Iran's enriched uranium, which is currently enough to make a nuclear weapon. Iran says its nuclear programme is peaceful.
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