The correct response to this week's negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme is mild optimism. There was no breakthrough, but the atmosphere was good enough to create hope that a deal of some sort could be done next year. In particular, the proposal by Iran's foreign minister, Muhammad Javad Zarif, to draw up a "road map", which would start with confidence-building measures and conclude with an overarching deal, was stronger on detail than had been expected (see page 43)- The negotiating teams-Iran on one side and the un Security Council's five permanent members plus Germany on the other-now know just what the other wants and where the red lines are drawn. They also know this may be the last chance for a diplomatic solution to one of the world's most dangerous disputes. The question is whether there is a deal worth doing that the Iranians will accept.
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