For the umpteenth time, Iran and the P5+1 are holding talks to ‘resolve’ the impasse in dealing with Iran’s nuclear program. And for the umpteenth time, the absurdity of these meetings is reflected in the futile, repetitious, meaningless dialogue amidst threats and ultimatums. Feigned smiles and optimism add to the theatrics. While theatrics are part and parcel of US foreign policy, surely one must wonder why the rest participate in this absurd political drama.
The current negotiations, as with past talks, place a great deal of emphasis on Iran’s enrichment activities giving the impression that enrichment is at the crux of the matter. It is, as far as Iran goes, but this is not the whole narrative. There is far more at stake in the outcome of these talks—America’s power to shape and implement international treaties according to its whim.
Leading up to the latest round of negotiations, Undersecretary of State Wendy Sherman claimed that “it has always been the U.S. position that that article IV of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty does not speak about the right of enrichment at all [and] doesn’t speak to enrichment, period.” (Eminent scholars have successfully argued that Iran has the right to enrich uranium under the Treaty). This has not always been America’s ‘position’.
There is clear indication of a direct correlation between America’s ‘position’ on Article IV and the degree to which a nation is willing to comply with American demands. In this case, during the rule of the Shah, one of America’s pet dictators, Iran had the right not recognized today. During the administration of President Ford National Security Decision Memorandum (NSDM) 292, dated April 22, 1975, stated that the U.S. shall “Permit U.S. materials to be fabricated into fuel in Iran for use in its own reactors and for pass-through to third countries with whom we have Agreement.”
A year later, the United States went from giving its permission to enrich to demanding that Iran do so. In NSDM 324, dated April 20, 1976, President Ford authorized the U.S. negotiating team to “Seek a strong political commitment from Iran to pursue the multinational/binational reprocessing plant concept, according the U.S. the opportunity to participate in the project.” The United States was looking to make a profit from Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities.
However, the 1979 Iranian Revolution put an end to American plans and aspirations. Iranians sent a clear message: Iran would no longer seek America’s “permission” to declare its rights under international treaties. Iran’s insistence on reclaiming its sovereignty led to a decision by the United States to stop Iran’s nuclear program in its tracks (and overthrow the regime). It failed.
These negotiations are not about Iran, but they are centered on Iran. The outcome of these talks is equally important to all countries, specifically to Russia and China—and to a lesser degree, Europe. For the first time since the end of the Cold War, there is a perception of a shift away from the unipolar world. At this fateful juncture, should America prevail in hijacking international law to suit its polices of the day (dictated by Israel), then all nations will be subjugated—including Russia and China.
Thanks for this article.
Iran is a member of NPT and IAEA. These organizations provide certain rights for their members. These rights are NOT negotiable.
A common sense article; The US has had her own way in world affairs for the past 70 years or so, simply because the US financial carrot and military stick has obliged world compliance with US attitudes.
Japan, South Korea, Canada, Ukraine, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Taiwan, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Finland, Bulgaria, Hungary,Brazil, South Africa, Slovakia, Mexico, Romania, Argentina, Slovenia, Netherlands, Armenia, all operate Nuclear Power Stations, none have been accused of attempting to build Nuclear weapons.
Iran has not instigated war for over 200 years, the same can`t be said of some of the countries listed above.
The US intentions for Iran were rejected by the mass of the Iranian population, what a pity that US arrogance could not accept the will of the Iranian people, a US compromise would have had great benefit for both the US and Iran.
China has walked through a door held wide open by US intransigence, to the great advantage of China and gratitude of Iran, in my opinion we are seeing tangible evidence of the beginnings of a change in world order that, for the first time in 70 or so years, the US is powerless to resist.
China will seek to protect the advantages gained, financially China cannot be prevented from replacing the US as the world superpower, militarily it will be equally impossible to prevent China `s dominance, 1.3 billion population will guarantee that.
The UK is opening diplomatic contacts with Iran, the UK Prime Minister, now has telephone contacts with Iran`s Supreme Leader with UK Government attitudes now noticeably affable, a huge investment in London`s financial services by China was the carrot that induced this transformation.
A change in US attitude will be less obvious, but there is nothing that the US can do to prevent China putting her interest first, and nothing the US can do but comply.
There will be squealing, stamping of feet and gnashing of teeth from those in the US who will reject this reality, the pro-Israeli industry will squeal loudest of all, but nothing will prevent this natural and quite normal change in world order.
All empires fade as new empires emerge.
–America’s power–
USA has had enough after WWII and now is the time to recognise others too. To get closeness with Iran, let their frozen assets be released as soon as possible and sanctions be lifted since common citizens have been adversely affected and economy has come to a standstill.
An excellent article, as expected from Ms. Sepahpour-Ulrich!