Testing Tehran

Is Hassan Rouhani a reformer – or a wolf in sheep’s clothing? The true motives of Tehran’s nuclear program may be unclear, but Rouhani has struck a new tone in Iran’s approach to the West. Deeds must now follow. If matters are to move forward on the nuclear question, however, the West, too, must make an effort with its negotiation partner. Cornelius Adebahr analyses the new framework of Iranian politics, notes possible places for compromise, and outlines the issues that will remain thorny.