After months of delay in responding to the package of incentives offered by the United Nations (UN) Security Council’s permanent five plus Germany (P5+1), Iran has submitted a detailed and comprehensive response that puts the diplomatic ball squarely back in the court of the P5+1. While rejecting the UN demand for an immediate halt to its uranium enrichment, Iran’s response leaves the door open for serious talks and perhaps an acceptable resolution of the nuclear showdown for all parties. By agreeing to put the issue of suspension of enrichment activities on the table and to commence the talks immediately, Iran has sent a strong signal that the internal debate between power centres in Iran’s leadership has ended in favour of voices of moderation seeking a mutually satisfactory resolution of the nuclear standoff with the west. It will be a pity if Washington overlooks this opportunity for a fair negotiation with Iran, especially considering the details of Iran’s response. Iran has, expectedly, sought clarification on a number of issues, including the following: €“The incentive package mentions respecting Iran’s rights under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, yet the only treaty articles mentioned are articles I and II, pertaining to nonproliferation, and […]