Ross admits “it is unclear whether Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose regime depends so heavily on hostility to America, is willing to make a deal on the nuclear issue.” In other words, everything he wrote until now is basically wishful thinking.
Ross continues with his cop-out clause: “Of course, Iran’s government might try to draw out talks while pursuing their nuclear program.” Simply put, they will continue their ongoing, and successful strategy of lying to the Western dupes who want to believe them at almost any cost – especially if its Israel that will be the one to pay.
Iran’s ploy to offer to negotiate is predicated on a reduction of sanctions, as confidence building measures, or just a precondition for negotiations, period. So the Mullahs can easily stretch out “negotiations” while they are able to cross every one of the Obama administration’s “red lines”. Nothing like diplomacy and sanctions to win the day; too bad the day is over.