Iran’s new conditions
Is Tehran in a position to set out new criteria for resuming nuclear talks?
Iran may be ready to resume talks with the West, but under new conditions.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Iranian president, set out new criteria for Western nations, highlighting what he called Western hypocrisy.
This comes after the US and its allies slapped Iran with more sanctions, hoping that they will deter Tehran from its nuclear ambitions.
They are concerned Tehran is trying to build a nuclear bomb, but Iran says its nuclear programme is only for civilian purposes.
Reasserting this position, Ahmadinejad said he will delay the talks until late August and will talk only to those who clarify their position on some of what he considers to be key issues.
What has triggered Iran to re-assert itself? Is Tehran in a position to dictate new conditions? Or are the latest sanctions already biting?
Joining the programme are Seyed Mohammad Marandi, the head of North American studies at Tehran University, Geneive Abdo, an Iran expert and fellow at the Century Foundation, and Alastair Crooke, the director and founder of Conflicts Forum.
This episode of Inside Story aired from Monday, June 28, 2010.