Current Event #6

There is reason to believe that Iran may be looking for a way out of its current situation. Despite tough talk on both sides recently, several developments make it seem like this conflict is much closer to a resolution than political leaders would have us believe. Western diplomats have recently proposed to resume suspended negotiations with Iran, and Iran has backed down from it's refusal to let UN inspectors into it's nuclear sites.  It appears that economic sanctions on Iran are also beginning to take effect, as evidenced by Iran recently importing large amounts of grain, indicating that they may be anticipating food shortages.  More sanctions are coming soon: international electronic transfers of money to or from Iranian banks will soon be blocked, and Asian nations that import Iranian oil are finding other providers, and the EU will stop importing Iranian oil entirely beginning in July.  What Iran may be looking for is a way to back down while still saving face.  Iran has pointed to elections recently held as a sign that their government is legitimate and people approve of its recent actions, although these elections are largely rigged, and carry very little meaning.