U.S. diplomat Dennis Ross argues compellingly in today’s New York Times that Iran sanctions are biting hard and that Tehran may be getting in the mood for serious negotiations. In particular, Ross reports that Iran has declared its willingness to discuss the so-called Russian step-by-step plan, in which parties to the nuclear dispute take reciprocal actions in four stages.
• Iran would initially freeze expansion of its uranium enrichment program and freeze enrichment at 5 percent
• the IAEA would gradually get greater access to sensitive facilities and key individuals
• eventually Iran would suspend enrichment for three months
• the P5 + 1, collectively, would gradually lift UN sanctions
• the P5 + 1 individually would lift sanctions
• the P5 + 1 would provide incentives offered in 2006 and 2008 proposals
I remain skeptical about whether the nuclear dispute can be settled on terms that are limited essentially to elements of the dispute. But if in fact Iran is no readier for a “grand bargain” than its main counter-party, the United Stats, then perhaps the Russian plan will prove a viable way to go.
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