Iran may rethink 20% enrichment: spokesman

Oh, oh, another lunatic playing with fire.

If Western countries (accept) that our 20 percent enrichment program is peaceful and then ask us not to do it, the Islamic Republic of Iran will think about their demand

I don't understand this logic. If the west thought it was peaceful they wouldn't worry about it but if they are worried that its not peaceful and I guess impose restrictions then Iran won't stop, but also if it is considered peaceful Iran will consider stopping but if thats the case why stop if it were likely to be permitted by others. Did I miss something here???

Face saving, fundamentally: this way they can back away from their nuclear program (which is highly unpopular amongst a large portion of the population) without having to appear defeated. But more, they do not want to concede what they surely believe is a right; this gives them flexibility in the future. It does sound like a significant gesture if it goes in hand with a down-scaling of their program and an agreement for more comprehensive monitoring.

Still, it does remind me a bit of Stan and Reg in "Life of Brian" quibbling over a man's right to have babies: "It's every man's right to have babies if he wants them."

It's better than past negotiations. We'll see what happens next.