A new realism in Iran?

Former German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer comments in the Austrian daily Der Standard on negotiations over Iran's nuclear program: "In Teheran the message seems to have been brought home that things are very likely to become serious on the military front if Iran continues with its nuclear program. At least there are interesting statements and signals coming out of Teheran - indeed ones that have not been heard before - that indicate a greater willingness to engage in serious negotiations over Iran's nuclear program and regional security issues. ... If Iran is really serious, then the issue to be discussed will be no less than a major reconciliation of regional interests between Iran and the USA, Europe and the United States' regional allies, in other words, a so-called 'grand bargain! It would, however, be short-sighted and foolish if the government in Teheran were merely playing for time. For the conflict and with it the threat of a military confrontation would not disappear even under a new US administration. On the contrary, this confrontation would quickly return with a vengeance if negotiations were to fail."

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