Seek concessions in talks with Iran

Sanctions are having an effect on Iran's economy. Inflation is at 400 percent. Six months ago, merchants in Teran staged a violent boycott, and last week farmers went on strike and then burned 10 Revolutionary Guard buses when the guard was sent to put down the strike. There is tremendous political infighting among President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the Ayatollah, the Guardian Council and the Revolutionary Guard as they position for the June presidential election.

A key election issue will be the economy. Iran cannot stand another year of the crippling economic sanctions. After the election, the United States needs to restart negotiations and come up with a face-saving way for Iran to allow unfettered access for U.N. inspectors to all of its facilities, scientists and programs. The United States must say Iran can keep the peaceful parts of the nuclear program and can keep enriching uranium.

We need to make concessions for Iran to agree to such access. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will object to these concessions because he doesn't believe Iran will do what it says it will. President Barack Obama will need to keep Netanyahu out of the picture and repeatedly tell Iran that Netanyahu does not speak for the United States.

William Peterson

USMC, retired

North Liberty