Walking a Tightrope with Tehran

The lead article in today’s New York Times is titled, “Tehran Rejects Nuclear Accord, Officials Report.” It describes the decision by Iran to reject an agreement negotiated with the United States and European Union to transfer about three-quarters of its uranium to Russia for processing. This processing would render the uranium useful for nuclear reactors but not for making an atomic bomb.

While Iran expressed a willingness to continue negotiating, this decision to reject the core plank of the agreement just concluded will inevitably lead to stricter sanctions of the country, provided that Russia and China can be persuaded to endorse them.

The decision also seems to represent a failure of President Obama’s attempt to engage our enemies instead of rejecting them out of hand. On the other hand, having tried the diplomatic approach and going the extra mile for a peaceful resolution, the United States is now in a stronger position when the issue of sanctions is debated.

In my opinion, there will never be an unforced nuclear agreement with Tehran because the development of nuclear weaponry represents a status symbol that the nation is desperately pursuing, if only to mollify its population with national pride. And after looking at our tepid response to North Korea, Iran must feel they will be able to get away with this approach.

Another thorn bush for President Obama to untangle.