Knowing When To Say When

It is now generally reported in the media that the administration has made it known to Iran of their openness to negotiations with respect to it's nuclear program. Various terms of the preliminary offer include US nuclear assistance and the waiving of certain sanctions. The process is at a very early phase. Iran should take up the offer of negotiations. The administration's insistence that Tehran be willing to suspend it's enrichment program is not a non-starter. It's clear that any such suspension would be voluntary and predicated upon the success of the negotiations. It is reasonable that Tehran accept such a precondition. It has already reached the technological threshold it wanted so it can afford giving a little here.

Iran's objectives are within reach. Although a negotiated settlement is still far from being achieved, it should respond by supporting the diplomatic opening that has arisen. A voluntary suspension is within it's power to grant and it should have the courage of it's convictions to do so. The administration has given a little, now Iran should too.