In its latest report, the International Crisis Group (ICG) has urged the United States to take a flexible approach toward Iran in order to resolve the standoff over the countrys nuclear energy program.The Brussels-based group released its report, Great Expectations: Irans New President and the Nuclear Talks, on Tuesday.
The report also proposed that the Obama administration should take a series of measures to enhance the prospects for progress in the next round of talks between Iran and the P5+1 (the US, Britain, France, China and Russia plus Germany), according to Antiwar.com.
The ICG report maintains that imposing new economic sanctions against Iran at such a delicate time is likely to prove counter-productive.
Now is not the time to ramp up sanctions, the report stated. That could well backfire.
The report said that heightened sanctions, such as those recently approved by a 400-20 vote in the US House of Representatives, could undermine [Irans new President Hassan] Rouhanis domestic position even before he has a chance to test his approach.
While the report warns against expectations of a rapid breakthrough, it says the US and its Western allies should not miss the chance to approach the nuclear standoff. This is one [opportunity] neither side can afford to squander.
The report comes a few days after EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in a letter to President Rouhani expressed willingness to engage in meaningful talks with Iran.
I write to tell you that, together with the P5+1, I stand ready to continue talks to find a resolution as quickly as possible," said Ashton, who represents the six world powers in the comprehensive talks with Tehran.
Iran and the P5+1 group have held several rounds of talks on a range of issues, with the main focus being on Irans nuclear energy program.
The United States and its Western allies have imposed several rounds of illegal sanctions on Iran, which Washington claims to be aimed at pressuring Tehran to abandon its program.
By Press TV
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