Taming Iran's ambitions

THERE has been much speculation in Europe that the United States is lining up Iran as its next candidate for invasion.

It is in this context we need to see the visit of Jack Straw, the Foreign Secretary, to Condoleezza Rice, the US Secretary of State. Mr Straw will argue against military intervention. This is a modest charade, which allows the Blair government to show it is being tough on America, while signalling to the French they had better intensify their diplomatic efforts with Tehran or the US bear will start growling. Provided the French play their part, and Tehran sees a united western diplomatic front, Iran’s nuclear aspirations might diminish. Given the limited options, it is worth a try.