UNITED STATES: Bush binds EU into tougher Iran posture
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced on March 11 that Washington would support the EU-3 by offering economic incentives if Tehran brings its nuclear programme to an end. While some US officials continue to condemn Iran and leak stories of impending covert military action, last week's agreement appears to be an endorsement of the European-led approach of 'critical engagement'. However, the move represents far less than that.
Our judgement
US officials will use the next six months, a period in which little progress can be made towards achieving their Iranian objectives, to try to commit Europe to a US policy of more severe punishments should Tehran fail to comply.
See today's UNITED STATES: Bush binds EU into tougher Iran posture.