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Source: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N05268917.htm
U.S. Report: Iran Confident in Nuclear Row with West
(Reuters) Iran is confident enough of its diplomatic position to risk a major confrontation with the U.S. and Europe over its nuclear program, according to a report just released by the U.S. Institute of Peace. The study, written by Middle East expert Geoffrey Kemp, said the outcome of the standoff would depend on whether Washington and its allies could remain united, including on the issue of possible sanctions. "Iran's leaders appear to have calculated that they can withstand the diplomatic pressure they are likely to face in the coming months from the U.S., the Europeans, and many members of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and that even if sanctions are imposed, Iran has the will and financial resources to ride them out," the report said. Kemp said rising oil profits were critical for Iran's ability to ride out disputes with the West, but if oil prices abruptly fell, Tehran could face massive unrest.