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Iran Is Ready to Talk
(New York Times) Dennis B. Ross - Iranians are now facing crippling pressure and their leaders have in the past altered their behavior in response to such pressure. Notwithstanding all their bluster, there are signs that Tehran is now looking for a way out. In January 2009, Iran was spreading its influence throughout the Middle East, and Arab leaders were reluctant to criticize Iran. Today, the fear of Iranian intimidation is gone. Iran is more isolated than ever. The regional balance of power is shifting against Tehran, in no small part because of its ongoing support for Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Of course, Iran's government might try to draw out talks while pursuing their nuclear program. But if that is their strategy, they will face even more onerous pressures when a planned European boycott of their oil begins on July 1. The writer, a former State Department and National Security Council official, was a special assistant to President Obama for the Middle East, Afghanistan and South Asia from 2009 to 2011.