Iran After the IAEA Vote: Still In The Driver's Seat

The election of a new president in Iran does not signify a change in Iranian nuclear policy — Iran is still intent on pursuing a nuclear weapons capability – but it has produced a change in the external trappings of Iranian policy. Under the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran has abandoned the niceties of Muhammad Khatami and reverted to the rhetorical style of the Islamic revolution, reminiscent of the Ayatollah Khomeini era. However, the change of tone and of tactics sharply reduces the ability of both Iran and the international community to play for time. Unless matters are brought to a head soon, Iran will acquire a nuclear weapon.