Iranian Doublespeak

A key feature of the negotiations with the Iranians over their nuclear program is doublespeak. To be more precise, you’ll notice that Iranian officials offer different accounts of what they are–and are not–willing to consider. Moreover, the meaning behind their words is often left obscure.

Iran’s foreign minister, Ali Akbar Salehi, said Monday: “If the West wants to take confidence-building measures it should start in the field of sanctions because this action can speed up the process of negotiations reaching results.”