Source: China Radio International’s English Service

The latest deadline for the long-standing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program is almost here. While a short extension seems likely, the talks may finally be winding down. Iran and the major world powers have struggled over the issue since 2003. So how has this turned into a world issue? What do the different sides disagree about? And what are the stakes?

On CRI’s Today, Carnegie’s Ariel Levite argued that the negotiations have taken so long partially because the international community has tried to regain confidence in Iran. However, Iran has not collaborated on the nuclear issue, which has extended the process to well over a decade. Levite also contends that Iran has questioned the status quo in the Middle East, calling for the destruction of Israel and engaging in other activities “of deep concern.”

“Between the nuclear activities and Iran’s regional behavior, it triggered a kind of crisis that has taken more than a decade to resolve, and I don’t think we’re around the corner from resolving it,” said Levite.

On the issue of sanctions, Levite argued that they were imposed “reluctantly, incrementally, and late” because Iran refused to come forward on the nuclear negotiations. “When sanctions were tightened up considerably, this was done after Iran had been given more than a decade of an opportunity to actually come clean on its past efforts in terms of nuclear weapons development,” added Levite.

“The fact that Iran is currently negotiating is a testimony to the success of sanctions ... the sanctions have brought Iran to the table, alongside mismanagement of the Iranian economy by the Ahmadinejad regime, and alongside lower oil prices. You can’t separate the three elements,” said Levite.

This interview was originally broadcast on the China Radio International’s English Service.