Iran Dissembles

Iran has announced it is willing to talk about the package of incentives and penalties the West offered.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi told reporters in Tehran that, "We consider this package an appropriate basis, an acceptable basis (for talks)."

"Now is an appropriate opportunity for Iran and Europe to enter detailed negotiations," he said. "Sending the dossier to the U.N. Security Council means blocking and rejecting talks."

Asefi called on the eight major world powers meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia, to choose dialogue with Iran.

"We can achieve acceptable results in this path," Asefi said.

Rice said at the Group of Eight meeting that Iran should contact European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana, the envoy who delivered the proposal last month and has been meeting with Iran's top nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani.

G-8 leaders were expected to discuss Iran's nuclear program at the summit but none directly addressed Asefi's comments.

"If the Iranians want to respond positively, I would hope that they would do so through the channel that is established between the six and the government of Iran, and that is Mr. Solana," Rice said. "There is, indeed, a very good proposal on the table that could be a basis for negotiations … There is also a path ahead to the Security Council on which we are now launched."

Iran has said specialized committees in key state agencies are studying the June 6 offer by the United States, Britain, China, France, Russia and Germany, and that it will formally respond in late August.

The key demand of the five permanent Security Council members plus Germany is that Iran stop enriching uranium during any negotiations.

I have to say, that given the events of the past week, I do not believe this sudden turnaround by Iran. I think they are playing for more time and playing the West for suckers. Iran is obviously behind all the activities in Israel, Gaza and Lebanon. It is rather improbable that they would suddenly sing another tune unless it suits their purpose.

Update: I'm apparently at odds with Captain Ed on this call. I'd rather he was right, but I fear I am instead.