For some of us in US, esp. in policy, politics, media, the Iran deal issue is of interest. But for Iran officials and the Iranian public, it would seem, it is of far broader interest, given the relevance to the broader Iranian public’s livelihoods.

So the indirect Vienna talks this past week and the process they are part of, while of big interest to me and some others in DC, would seem to raise even more expectations in Iran. If a deal can be reached matters far more to far more Iranians than to most in the American public.

It seems to me the Biden admin would like to reach a straightforward understanding with the Iranians on what would be involved for both sides to return to full compliance. There may be genuine differences in what that would be, and things to quibble over, & some accumulated

residual mistrust/resentment on the Iranian side for experience under Trump admin, which affects current negotiating stance. But it would seem the Iranian public’s expectations might be raised by the process and hopes for something better for their own lives,

That is not to dismiss the anxiety that Iran continuing to expand its nuclear program over the next several months as the problem is unresolved causes the US and its partners/allies. I don’t think DC “thinks time is on its side.” not really

However assymetrically, both countries can inflict damage on the other, and their interests.

It would seem that Iran, just by going to ths Vienna talks, is already raising some Iranian public interest in their eventual outcome. That is true of the US as well, but again, it would seem there is less public pressure involved, because the stakes are different.

What I heard from a US official briefing journalists after the Vienna talks earlier tonight is essentially, US trying to reach a straightforward understanding, not trying to trick Iran into keeping jcpoa related sanctions, not trying to keep

sanctions for longer to get additional concessions, or trying to choreograph a blame game, ...

I don’t have a finished punchline. My observation is that Iran by entering this Vienna process has already probably raised its public hopes/expectations somewhat for a resolution. My sense is US side genuinely willing to do a reasonable, straightforward deal but is not desperate

Both sides can inflict harm and concern on the other if no deal is reached, but I don’t believe the US side at least is willing to drastically revise its fundamental interpretation of jcpoa sanctions to get a deal sooner than later.