Diplomacy has failed, it is argued, so it is now time to get tough with Iran. But has diplomacy really been tested? Whether or not the Iranian nuclear crisis is referred to the United Nations Security Council, the best way to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons is to pursue revived negotiations with a broadened agenda that addresses security issues – not to impose economic sanctions.

The nuclear negotiations between Iran and the European Union were based on a bargain that the EU, held back by the US, has failed to honour. Iran agreed to suspend its uranium enrichment efforts temporarily pending the outcome of discussions on a permanent enrichment ban. The EU promised to put forward proposals for economic incentives and security guarantees in return for a permanent ban but subsequently refused to discuss security issues.