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Source: http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/iran-confident-as-sanctions-tighten
Iran Confident as Sanctions Tighten
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Patrick Clawson and Mehdi Khalaji - As tighter U.S. and EU restrictions on Iran enter into force on June 28 and July 1, respectively, the Islamic Republic's leaders are sounding remarkably confident about the nuclear impasse. Tehran believes it is in a strong position relative to the West and therefore sees little reason to be forthcoming in negotiations. On the contrary, it still finds resistance to be useful in dealing with the P5+1. On June 18, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei stated, "Victory is not possible without...taking risk. We stand [for our cause]....Our enemies...should know that obstinacy, arrogance, self-importance, and unreasonable expectations will not get them anywhere against the Iranian nation." Iranian leaders also see no prospect of military action any time soon, certainly not before the U.S. elections in November. Patrick Clawson is director of research at The Washington Institute. Mehdi Khalaji is a senior fellow at the Institute.