Iran continues to implement its long-term nuclear strategy, despite media speculation over supposedly productive recent talks between Iran and the P5+1. For 10 years, through two U.S. administrations and numerous UNSC Resolutions, Iran has held to this strategy and, as a result, is closer than ever to nuclear weapons capability. Given the current irresolute nature of Barack Obama, why would they change now?

What is Iran’s strategy?

First, talk with the West for as long as the West is willing to sit down and listen, but give nothing away. Western negotiators were almost giddy following talks earlier this month, describing them as “constructive” and “unprecedented.” Iran’s agents likewise mentioned “a new chapter of cooperation.” And both sides agreed that the best course of action was, naturally – more talks! Of course, behind the scenes Iranian officials clarified that Iran would give away nothing, as usual. Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, “The Iranian side made no commitment” in the recent talks. Atomic Energy Organization of Iran chief Ali Akbar Salehi added, “No stop has occurred in the process of the production [of 20% enriched uranium], and it never stopped before.”

Second, keep Russia and China close in order to get UNSC veto protection. On Tuesday Ali Larijani, the chairman of Iran’s legislative body, arrived in Beijing for consultations with the Chinese. Larijani is one of the old guard in the Iranian regime, dating to his Revolutionary Guard service in the early 1980s. He was head of Iran’s Supreme Council for National Security from 2005-2007, and acted as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator during that time. Zhang Dejiang, chairman of China’s Committee of the People’s Congress, stated last week, “We attach special importance to Tehran and the Chinese government seeks to deepen ties with Iran.” Russia did its usual bit to cast Iran in a positive light following recent nuclear talks: “The Iranians displayed unprecedented openness, something that was recognized by all participants,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Wednesday.

Third, give the appearance of inevitable progress on Iran’s side, Salehi further asserted, “Iran has 34 new nuclear sites under construction. We had a meeting [with Russians] at the beginning of this week regarding the signing of a protocol on the construction of the next power plant. Once this protocol is prepared, Russia will start the constructing of another power plant in Bushehr.”

Since 2003, when Iranian dissidents revealed the size and scope of Iran’s nuclear program, Tehran has successfully held off the Bush administration, the EU-3 (France, Germany and the UK), the P5+1 (UNSC permanent members + Germany), and now the Obama administration. It has demonstrated the ability to enrich uranium to 20%, from which it is a short and fairly easy jump to 95%. It has mastered two-stage ballistic missiles, using solid rocket fuel, and built underground silos to protect them. And it has weathered sanctions that have caused economic pain and public backlash. And what has the West achieved in that time? Nothing – except an invitation to more talks.