Iran Hones Asymmetric Diplomacy with Washington
Outnumbered six to one, Iran deftly maneuvered this weekend to restart negotiations that could yield formal recognition of its uranium enrichment program, and postponement of more crushing economic sanctions or a military attack. But at some point, Iran’s leaders will find it more advantageous to play ball than to play games.
Outnumbered six to one, Iran deftly maneuvered this weekend (April 13-14) to restart negotiations that could yield formal recognition of its uranium enrichment program, and postponement of more crushing economic sanctions or a military attack.
The results of the meeting in Istanbul between Iran and the so-called P5+1—which both sides called “positive”—was a clear example of how Iran uses asymmetric diplomacy to surprise and unsettle much more powerful opponents. Somewhat like North Korea—which has a black belt in so-called “judo diplomacy”—Iran has learned to keep its adversaries guessing in order to shape the psychological environment to its advantage.
Simply by showing up in Istanbul and sounding reasonable, the Iranian delegation, led by Saeed Jalili, bought more time for Iran to continue its nuclear program, including enriching uranium to the level of 20 percent U-235, which is perilously close to weapons grade. Despite US calls in advance of the talks for Iran to take “concrete steps” to limit the program, none were made.
Instead, another round of talks is scheduled May 23 in Baghdad—Iran’s choice because its government is a Shiite Muslim one close to Iran rather than a Sunni one like Turkey’s. In between, less senior diplomats are to meet for “technical discussions” about how Iran can fulfill its obligations under the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT).
