Bishop to Knight 3

U.S. Says It's Prepared to Talk With Iran

In the diplomatic world I suppose you would say this is calling Iran's bluff, in the Chess world , a probing move to draw out your opponent and reveal his/her strategy. Whatever the case this will force Iran to make a move. If they are interested in face to face negotiations and being recognized this should suffice. If they are interested in our recognition of their rights in the nuclear community they now have that also. But they must prove that they are sincere, or prove that they are not. Either way they cannot ignore this. They could balk at our demand that they stop enrichment right away, but that would only make them look bad. It is obvious they do not trust us or the Europeans for that matter, so how honest can we count on them being? The fact that they are preparing for an invasion speaks volumes. The Mulahs rely on Ahmadinejad to keep them up to speed, but that is really irrelevant because they are zealots and he is an insane person. I wonder what Russia and China will have to say? My guess is not much, they will wait to let it play out before they make a statement. A better question is what will we do/say when Iran screws this up? I would love to be a fly on the wall in those cabinet meetings. Stay Tuned!!
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Update: Iran Calls US Talks Offer Propaganda

I guess that takes care of that!
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Update: Iran Rejects US Conditions for Nuclear Talks

From the above article:

Diplomats in Washington and Vienna said the US offer to hold talks with Iran was linked to an effort to get China and Russia to ease categorical opposition to UN sanctions if negotiations stalled.

"What they (China and Russia) have agreed is that if Iran does not accept this offer of negotiations or does not negotiate in good faith, we will return to the (UN) Security Council" for sanctions, a senior US official said.

The question now it seems is will Russia and China back up their words with action? I say doubtful. This is predicatable from Iran though as I believe their true motive is to stall, for as long as needed. So far they are doing a superb job of it!

Debka News has a great perspective on the issue

"Three weeks ago, American emissaries began quietly visiting banks and financial institutions in West Europe and Asia. They showed the heads of these institutions lists of Iranian firms, industries and private tycoons associated in one way or another with Iran’s nuclear effort. They then indicated that American banking and corporate doors would slam shut against any financial bodies continuing to do business with the blacklisted Iranians. Our sources report that the Americans were pleasantly surprised by the success of this quiet campaign.

Many of the banking and financial bodies lobbied in this way were quick to cut their ties with the named Iranians, with immediate impact: A loud outcry arose in Tehran’s central bazaar where most business with foreigners is contracted."

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Update: World Powers Strike Substantial Accord on Iran

From Reuters above:

"Major world powers struck what a senior U.S. official called a "substantial agreement" on Thursday on a package of incentives for Iran to halt sensitive nuclear fuel work as well as penalties if it did not."