Barack Obama has pledged to meet with Iranian leaders without precondition, arguing that it is necessary to open the lines of communication in order to resolve conflicts diplomatically. Reuter’s has a headline today which would seem to strengthen Obama’s argument, it reads “Iran says ready to negotiate on nuclear incentives“.

Iran said on Thursday it was ready to negotiate over a new package of economic incentives put forward by major powers seeking to persuade Tehran to curb its nuclear work.

“We have informed them of our readiness to negotiate. The package given by the P5+1 countries is currently under consideration and at the appropriate time Teheran will give its reactions,” said [Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr ] Mottaki

Iran says it is ready to review the proposals, but Tehran seems in no hurry to respond

On the surface this sounds like wonderful news, indicating that Iran may be willing to curb their nuclear program. Yea right…

Analysts also believe Tehran is using delaying tactics to press ahead with atomic work. An Iranian official said on Thursday time was on Iran’s side.

“We will review the package but not the part about enrichment freeze … We are moving forward with our work and Iran’s nuclear capability is being constantly augmented,” said the official, involved in talks with Solana in Tehran.

“Each passing day we are more advanced in nuclear technology, it gives us an upper hand in talks.”

This is the end result of negotiating without preconditions Senator Obama. The sole purpose of the negotiations are to persuade Iran to freeze their nuclear enrichment, and that is the one part of the package Iranian officials will not even consider, proving the whole process to be an exercise in futility.

Update: Ahmadinejad is touting his countries refusal to negotiate as a victory:

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Thursday the West has failed to break Iran’s will in the nuclear standoff, days after world powers presented Tehran with a new offer aimed at ending the crisis.

“In the nuclear issue, the bullying powers have used up all their capabilities but could not break the will of the Iranian nation,” Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying by state television.

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Barack Obama, Election 2008, Features, Iran, John McCain