WarSclerotic

The most exciting outcome of the nuclear negotiations in Geneva that concluded on Wednesday is that Iran and the superpowers have another date.

On Nov. 7-8, we have more talks in store, same place, same time. Despite the smiles, enthusiasm, and the serious and in-depth discussions — as the sides at least describe them — no one is promising us progress next month. Maybe because of this we have seen restrained reports on the different news sites. There is one thing, however, on which we all agree: Iran came to Geneva with the desire to build trust, not just a bomb.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, the White House spokesperson said that Iran made a new proposal in Geneva with details never before seen. The Europeans also showed excitement when EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who has dealt with the Iranian case for three years, said that throughout all the previous talks with Iran, she did not recall such a detailed proposal by the Iranians.

Even if almost nothing comes of the meeting, three things are more or less clear today: Iran will not agree to relinquish its uranium enrichment capabilities; it will not give up the underground nuclear Fordo facility; and it is demanding the removal of sanctions and only then will consider, if at all, allowing surprise inspections by International Atomic Energy Agency officials. Two days ago Iranian representatives said their country would not accept such inspections under any circumstances. This zigzag is so typical.

According to leaked information from the meetings, Iran would be prepared to enrich uranium to a low level on condition that sanctions are removed, at least partially. That is to say that today the question is not even if Iran can enrich uranium, but to which level. If this is indeed the situation, then if a deal is ever reached it will be a problematic one, in which the Iranians will have promised us that they will only use basic centrifuges. Let the believers believe.

The delegations returned from Geneva with guarded optimism, because they all very much want to succeed, certainly considering the existing global climate. The caution is because we are still dealing with the Iranians, who have until now managed to advance their nuclear program with considerable guile.

The question is why the desire for success is so great. We must understand that today a lack of stability bothers the nations of the world more than a nuclear Iran does. And in order to attain stability, the world wants to get Iran on board.