The key to this whole issue is the US - not Iran, not Iraq, not the UK, not Russia, and certainly not Israel (although all do have a hand of various strenghts in this situation). The US attitude and treatment of Iran, the US attitude towards (and special treatment of) Israel, and the apparently unballanced use of US power in global diplomatic circles, particularly the UN is the key to sorting it all out - not the cessation of a perfectly legal nuclear power programme. When Obama famously offered Irans 'clenched fist' his hand, the Iranians did indeed respond by extending their hand, but in their own way, and whilst stood up and as an equal that would not be dictated to. The US seemed to want this ancient and proud nation to bow down and 'kiss the hand' of its new master, so the US withdrew their hand and continued with old policies of economic warefare, media demonisation, and threats of violence in order to force subgegation. One of the main reasons Iran is a 'threat' to the US is because the US cannot afford to have such an oil rich, developed, and militarily strong country outside its sphere of influence (particularly in the middle east). The region is the 'energy store' of the US and the source of 'food' for its military and econonomic machine. Irans geographical position and power are too strategic - they have the potential to threaten its production and transit throughout the region. They also have the potential to contain the expansion and any future aggression of Israel (hence Israels interest in this). Although it would be nice to have, the US can actually do without Irans oil - it does after all 'control' most of the worlds oil in the middle east and elswhere. It cannot however do without absolute and undisputed control of the region - something which a militarily strong Iran could challenge (and has done in Iraq and Afghanistan). The drum beats of war will continue until one side backs down / blinks first.

"One of the main reasons Iran is a 'threat' to the US is because the US cannot afford to have such an oil rich, developed, and militarily strong country outside its sphere of influence (particularly in the middle east)." Jim The claim that its the U.S. prerogative to cotrol the ME resources is precisely why Iran needs and will not stop until it gets its own nukes and once that happens the United States will purchase the ME oil according to market price. Problem solved.

Agreed Jim. However, I would say America's main interest in Iran smells of Russia, and particularly destroying Gazprom's monopoly. Yes, the Americans want total control of the Middle East, but they still see Russia as the biggest threat to their very existence. If they could get their paws on Iran's gas, Nabucco goes Live and they can watch Russia break up into tiny little pieces... They have successfully turned people against each other in the past, look how they got the Arabs to forsake Gaza, but Iran is a completely different ball game, they have realized this too late but can't back down since it would be a sign of weakness. America is at a total loss when it comes to Iran

Lolo You are correct in all your points. However, the U.S strategy you have outlined above is already stated in the Full Spectrum Dominance Doctrine. So, we already know control of Iran’s oil and natural gas is key to American Eurasian energy strategy. But Russia's media-RT- does not offer a balanced analysis in terms of inviting analysts and academics with broader views of the geopolitics at play in American determination to invade Iran. Iran understands the Full Spectrum Dominance and that is why it needs strong defense and her own nukes but is Russia willing to help Iran? I fear that Russia is not doing all it can to help Iran- perhaps Russia's political and military leaders think in terms of regional balance of power when it fact Nuclear Iran is not going to threatened anybody but will be able to deter vicious Anglo American corporate imperialists seizure of Iran natural resource. So, I disagree with Jim that, I think Russia is key to this because it can change the dynamics in Iran by reassuring Iran’s security once that happens, the American global dominance would suffer significantly and Americans would develop more diplomatic policies to secure its energy needs. Russia and other countries can supply energy to the U.S according to market price. I do agree you that if Iran is invaded that will be the beginning of the end of Russia. Already, the U.S State Department is interested in local affairs of Russia Muslim regions in the Caucuses and this is not driven by American respect and love for Muslims nor American respect for human rights. Rather this policy is driven by the desire to create internal divisions within the Russian Federation.

I agree with Sarah, RT does not have access to heavyweights in geopolitics. I understand that RTV has a much broader mission, that is, to extend its audience and is at times flirting with the fluffy edge. However, RT must understand that it cannot disappoint its readers who are looking for a more in-depth, data-loaded analysis on the geopolitical level. To get that, I have to go to my old Asia Times Online, to find analysis by Bhadrakumar, Henry C. Liu, and occassionally Pepe Escobar has a few hits. But this was a week for high geopolitics. To open Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline, on hand were Presidents of Turkmenistan, Kazahstan and Uzbekistan. The Silk Route has just been opened for business. The whole process was a chess game. First, Russia had a long-term deal with Turkmenistan, with high prices West could not match. Then China starts building a pipeline, while Turkmenistan and Russia had a "spat". While chess-challenged thought that Russia and China are competing here, and waiting to see the fallout, it turns out they were in it together. The pipeline opens, Russia resumes gas pumping at market prices, chapter closed. In the meantime, the "opposition" in Turkmenistan is scratching its head. They were fat and happy thinking that Russia and China are competing, so Berdimukhamedov was spared NGO noise. Now, it is too late. Russia can now ask its European partners to move on gas pipelines, as Nabucco has sung its last song. Or, EU can wait on Iran. Russia would be happy to accommodate them, as the story of Iran's nukes would have to come to an end. But it won't. In US, the elites in charge have only one response. When in deep hole, they believe in digging deeper. SCO works quietly, and is not transparent. You never know if the "disagreements" are real or made up, and when all barter in earnest and compete, and when are they going to quietly harmonize their interests, letting others guess.

I am sure what said this here with Sarah and Jim is true picture of the situation. I am sure that now US have no choice and also not strength to go for war after Iraq, and Afghanistan, The 9/11 was a created CIA propaganda to blame Muslims and corner them so US and Israel can control the natural resource of Middle East. But here Iran was wise and prepare and they know it. Any how I think due to China's build in economically and militarily will cause heavy damage to US. There will be more difficult situation for Us to go in long run. Russia is not big problem as their population is small but powerful militarily than any one in the world. I think finally the wold will start THIRD WORLD WAR when there is not way for US to walk out of the mess they made. I feel basic war breaks with Chinese and and spread around not with Iran. because China will control future world trade not US.

There is probably more chance of winning a winfall by buying a lottery ticket, than IRAN being attacked by ISRAEL. WHY WOULD ISRAEL WANT TO ATTACK IRAN? This would make absolutely no sense for Israel. Peaceful coexistence is what is in the interest of Israel. A war with Iran would invite the grim reaper into both countries and there is almost never any certainty of the outcome of any WAR.

If Iran was attacked it would mean Saudi would have there oil refinery attached and maybe the cut off to Georgian pipeline certainly would be cut in direct response.

Obama is a weak leader, he don't have the nerve to attack Iran. Perhaps Bush nephew may be successful.