With Iran’s announcement off a deal brokered by Turkey and Brazil to handle some of their nuke material, Ahmadinejad has placed a major obstacle in the way of the West’s efforts to intensify sanctions against the Iranian government. According to USA Today, “The heart of the deal is a swap in which Iran would send abroad most of its low-enriched uranium and in return, receive fuel rods of medium-enriched uranium to use in a Tehran medical research reactor that produces isotopes for cancer treatment.” In other words, peaceful purposes. If Iran is able to get this deal signed sealed and delivered, it will have achieved several major Iranian objectives.

Firstly, they will have successfully played the peace card by making a credible overture to ridding themselves of the label of a dangerous nuclear outlier. Secondly, the deal defies the West to contest it since it is essentially the same deal that was offered by the West October last. Thirdly, it gives cover to their trading partners Russia and China, both of which have never been enthusiastic over stiff sanctions against Iran. But most importantly, this deal is a finger in the eye of the so-called Colonial Power’s influence in the region.

Considering the speeches President Ahmadinejad gives regularly, one could reasonably surmise he wants to show the world that the Western powers do not run the show as in centuries past. This new deal has changed the American/Israeli/Iranian paradigm at least for the near future

All things considered, one must admit, thus far Iran is winning the public relations war on this issue. While the West is relying on all the usual arguments and tactics to apply pressure on Ahmadinejad, he and the Iranian government have been working with their partners to successfully thwart and actually isolate and undermine the West’s influence in their internal affairs. Save for the Israelis, it appears the world is still holding out for a peaceful resolution to this conflict.

Additionally, having history on their side, Ahmadinejad can point to his Western critics as having huge stockpiles of nukes and the fact that they have been used in war. When considering those same Western nations consistent refusal to apply the same pressure on the Israelis to open their nuke facilities up to the IAEA for inspection and verification, it leaves many open-minded observers the option of giving the Iranians the benefit of any doubt.

With the poor performance record of American intelligence since the end of the cold war, it is difficult to place much credence on any positions they take or the recommendations they make. Click here or the pic for the podcast

The Agreement:

The following is a declaration agreed by Iran, Turkey and Brazil in Tehran on Monday setting out terms for a nuclear fuel swap.

JOINT DECLARATION BY IRAN, TURKEY AND BRAZIL
(17 May 2010)

Having met in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, the undersigned have agreed on the following Declaration:

1) We reaffirm our commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and in accordance with the related articles of the NPT, recall the right of all State Parties, including the Islamic Republic of Iran, to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy (as well as nuclear fuel cycle including enrichment activities) for peaceful purposes without discrimination.

2) We express our strong conviction that we have the opportunity now to begin a forwardlooking process that will create a positive, constructive, non-confrontational atmosphere leading to an era of interaction and cooperation.

3) We believe that the nuclear fuel exchange is instrumental in initiating cooperation in different areas, especially with regard to peaceful nuclear cooperation including nuclear power plant and research reactors construction.

4) Based on this point the nuclear fuel exchange is a starting point to begin cooperation and a positive constructive move forward among nations. Such a move should lead to positive interaction and cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear activities replacing and avoiding all kinds of confrontation through refraining from measures, actions and rhetorical statements that would jeopardize Iran’s rights and obligations under the NPT.

5) Based on the above, in order to facilitate the nuclear cooperation mentioned above, the Islamic Republic of Iran agrees to deposit 1200 kg LEU in Turkey. While in Turkey this LEU will continue to be the property of Iran. Iran and the IAEA may station observers to monitor the safekeeping of the LEU in Turkey.

6) Iran will notify the IAEA in writing through official channels of its agreement with the above within seven days following the date of this declaration. Upon the positive response of the Vienna Group (US, Russia, France and the IAEA) further details of the exchange will be elaborated through a written agreement and proper arrangement between Iran and the Vienna Group that specifically committed themselves to deliver 120 kg of fuel needed for the Tehran Research Reactor (TRR).

7) When the Vienna Group declares its commitment to this provision, then both parties would commit themselves to the implementation of the agreement mentioned in item 6. Islamic Republic of Iran expressed its readiness to deposit its LEU (1200 kg) within one month. On the basis of the same agreement the Vienna Group should deliver 120 kg fuel required for TRR in no later than one year.

In case the provisions of this Declaration are not respected Turkey, upon the request of Iran, will return swiftly and unconditionally Iran’s LEU to Iran.

Sounds reasonable to me!