Amidst the noise of naval blockades etc a bit of clarity showed in Islamabad the other day. The Iranians have restated a reasonable position: ‘yes, we too wish to have non-nuclear-armed neighbours.’ In other words, a clear bargain: the end of Israeli exceptionalism is the price for extrication from the enormous mess it and the USA have made. A diplomat would find the right language: a formal wish or intention to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in time, perhaps contingent on Pakistani & Indian membership, and so on. Not everything need happen at once. It might even come to resemble a silver lining. Talleyrand is free today. But if you enjoyed this post, you can tell Talleyrand that their writing is valuable by pledging a future subscription. You won't be charged unless they enable payments. © 2026 Talleyrand |