The Two Sides of Diplomacy with Iran: Talks and Sanctions

Although just recently America and Iran improved their relationship by discussing issues about Iran's Nuclear Program, the relationship between Iran and the US is still tense. In the meeting with the US and other countries Iran agreed to allow inspectors to the nuclear facilities and Iran would ship most of its uranium to other countries so the uranium can be enriched. These are good steps to a more positive outlook on Iran, but the relationship between Iran and the US is still tense. If Iran does not responsibly follow the necessary steps for a transparent nuclear program, then the US has threatened to increase the economic sanctions on Iran. It is difficult to view Iran as peaceful and willing to to be transparent when in the past Iran has showed hostility to western nations. There must be another side of the diplomacy than just talking. The US is pressuring Iran by increasing economic sanctions. But how much would increasing sanctions impact Iran? America has placed economic sanctions on Iran since 1979 and nearly every president since then has placed more detailed sanctions again Iran. There are restrictions placed on foreign goods. If Iran decides not to follow the plans discussed regarding their nuclear program, and if the US decides to place tougher economic sanctions on Iran, then at least for a little while, there may be a move by Iran to place more transparency on their nuclear program and to increase their cooperation with US and the International community. Iran must show the US and the International community that it will do the things that need to be done regarding their nuclear program, or the US will place heavy economic sanctions. With the recent talks with Iran and the US, the relationship seems like it is progressing into a positive relationship, but it may be in reality the same.

These are two New York Times articles discussing the economic sanctions on Iran
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/05/world/middleeast/05sanctions.html?fta=y
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/world/asia/03policy.html?fta=y

Here is a detailed overview of the US sanctions on Iran on the US Treasury website
http://treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/iran/iran.shtml