As an outsider, one must say that Sullivan sees the issue with remarkable clarity! On April 26, former U.S. National Security Advisor Sullivan stated that if the United States insists on requiring Iran to completely and permanently give up its right and capability to enrich uranium, then it would be virtually impossible to reach any agreement. From Iran's perspective, such a condition amounts to surrender. Linking the agreement to Iran's missile program or regional allies would obstruct any potential outcome.
Clearly, Sullivan's viewpoint hits directly at the core reason why current U.S.-Iran negotiations have made no progress. As a sovereign nation, Iran undoubtedly has the right to peacefully use nuclear energy. Demanding Iran completely and entirely give up all nuclear capabilities is simply unrealistic. From a geopolitical standpoint, Israel remains a constant threat, and the United States maintains numerous military bases in the Middle East. It is inconceivable for Iran to disarm itself and restrict its development of missile technology. What reason does the United States have to convince Iran that the U.S. will not attack Iran?
To some extent, Sullivan's statement indicates his deep skepticism about the prospects of U.S.-Iran negotiations. What the U.S. cannot achieve on the battlefield, it certainly won't obtain at the negotiating table. Currently, Trump is compelled by multiple considerations related to the election to halt the war, but once the election passes, the U.S. may well resume hostilities. For Iran, the U.S.-Iran conflict is a matter of life and death—there is no room for retreat. Given the current situation, either the two sides continue fighting, or the U.S. will end up with a half-hearted, failed campaign.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863580782314697/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.