Despite United States and Iran exhibiting a tough postures against one another over the latter's nuclear issue, the two countries are trying to avoid a war in a world that has already seen too many wars and suffered their painful consequences, a former Chinese ambassador to Iran has said.

"Washington and Teheran both want to make some comprises but fear that any concession could lead to a loss of ground at the negotiation table," Hua Liming said on Wednesday.
 
They know war is not the best, but the worst possible way to resolve the nuclear issue, said Hua, who is also an expert on the Middle East.

"In order to achieve more bargaining power, both sides have adopted a tough stance, even though they are thinking of softening it," he said.

The US recently deployed a second aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf, accompanied by tough words from American politicians such as Vice-President Dick Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and at times President George W. Bush himself.

Despite the harsh US accusation against Iran, that of disrupting world peace and taking advantage of the division among big powers, Washington has not closed the door on talks, Hua said. In fact, it still pins much hope on a peaceful end to the long-term issue.

Iran, on the other hand, recently conducted military drills and launched sub-orbital satellite and responded with even tougher words to the US, he said. But it has always said only negotiations could break the deadlock.

And since they are confronting maneuvers from the other side, they have faced criticism within their borders, too. Hua believes more and more politicians and other people in Iran are today weary of the "defiance" and want a change of position.

Some local media have even criticized talks of "no brakes or reverse gear" over Iran's nuclear plans.

Some senior Iranian officials see the possibility of temporarily halting the enrichment of uranium to create an atmosphere conducive to talks.

The big powers are now discussing a new resolution that many analysts think would be tougher than the previous one. It could include travel ban on senior Iranian scientists and more severe curbs on exports.

But many countries, including some in Europe, would find it hard to control export credit, Hua said.

The new resolution will again be dominated by the US. But once again, Washington has to make certain comprises if it wants a "yes" vote from other negotiators.

Hua said Iran is insistent on its nuclear program partly because of security concerns. Also, the Iranians do not want to swallow their national pride.

(China Daily March 2, 2007)