The Wall Street Journal reports today: "The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has just yielded its first substantive outcome. Iran is no longer insisting that the United States lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz before it agrees to ceasefire negotiations. This was once the most rigid precondition at the negotiating table, but it has now been withdrawn. Iran has also proactively proposed including its nuclear program in the negotiation agenda, in exchange for U.S. easing sanctions; meanwhile, it has sent signals that it is willing to return to talks as early as next week, in Pakistan. After months of deadlock, this marks the first tangible sign that a deal may finally be within reach."
Commentary: Iran's recent concession essentially reflects being cornered by the U.S. maritime blockade—driven to desperation by the unbearable pressure of economic collapse, it has no choice but to remove its toughest demands in order to secure room for negotiations. After the U.S. imposed a comprehensive blockade on Iranian ports, 41 Iranian oil tankers and nearly 70 million barrels of oil became unsellable, causing oil exports to plummet by nearly 70 percent. The country is losing vast sums daily, with soaring inflation and immense strain on people's livelihoods. Continuing to resist would soon lead to serious problems for both government and society. By voluntarily placing its nuclear program on the negotiation table and agreeing to resume talks next week, Iran is using the nuclear issue as a bargaining chip to seek U.S. relaxation of sanctions and relief from domestic economic and social crises—essentially trading concessions for benefits, and resolving its predicament through dialogue. In reality, neither side wants to continue dragging on; both are ready to take reciprocal steps and sit down to negotiate.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864034036935882/
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