Bush Leaning Toward Backing Europe on Iran

Steve Holland, Reuters:

President Bush is leaning toward backing Europe in offering incentives to Iran aimed at persuading Tehran to give up its nuclear ambitions, U.S. officials said on Thursday.

Under the emerging strategy, the United States would not block Iran as it seeks to start the process of joining the World Trade Organization, and would not stand in the way of European allies if they want to sell Tehran parts for civilian aircraft, the officials said.

An announcement of the president's strategy could come this week, the officials said. ...

A senior congressional aide involved in the WTO issue said: "It is a carrot, and it's not a very big one."

"It means nothing by itself," said Greg Mastel, chief international trade advisor at the law firm of Miller & Chevalier.

"Actual membership talks could drag out for months or years or decades, or it could move very quickly," Mastel said, adding that if Washington chooses, it would have the power to "slow things down" or block Tehran's accession down the road.

Saudi Arabia and Russia, two of the largest economies still outside the trade body, have been negotiating for a decade. China's accession to the WTO took about 15 years to complete after negotiations began.