There are forms of warfare that do not involve bullets and bombs. Lets be clear, Iran is currently under attack (as they have been for some time, and will continue to be for the forseeable future) by non-military means (for the moment at least). Without being allied to one or two big-players, or without being part of a larger group of states, Iran may find itself pushed into a corner. Perhaps this is what some in the USA, Europe, and Israel want. Perhaps Iran will find yet another creative solution to its current situation. However, one thing is certain, some very powerful groups want to see Iran seriously hurt and they are doing everything in their power to pursue this goal. The Iranians have shown a considerable ability to find a way around the restrictions imposed upon them. The latest round of sanctions should not really pose them too much trouble, however I am concerned that we may well see some illegal actions on the high seas (ships refused port / diverted / boarded and searched etc) which may well force some sort of confrontation - either directly or through proxies.

I am finding the analysis a bit hasty. This article violates some golden rules. To quote: "...The surprise agreement was intended as a diplomatic breakthrough to highlight Turkey’s and Brazil’s roles as international mediators. Instead, it turned into a diplomatic embarrassment, as the United States and other permanent members of the Security Council chose to ignore the deal and proceed with their deliberations." It is natural that SOME member of P5 do not take it kindly to newcomers and interlopers coming to the world stage, and can be expected to issue put downs of this sort. But it is INEXCUSABLE from an RT analyst to be so colonial minded. Keep in mind, the audience that comes to RT is not likely to share the sentiments of colonial style supremacy mentality. It is too early to jump to conclusions. Keep in mind that the only way a draft resolution can be tabled if P5 agree in principle, or are going to at least abstain from voting. Far from this being a failure, the negotiated settlement is the work of BRIC, and the countries chosen to negotiate did not do it in a vacuum. But US would not allow the disscussion, unless all 5 would agree to discuss sanctions. So, as the old saying goes, "all well fed, and sheep accounted for". Russia and China had to create an open mind atmosphere, as otherwise Iranian proposal would have languished without a forum. The REAL negotiations are JUST STARTING. The stronger role of Turkey and Brazil is highly welcome development; China and Russia cannot alone shoulder the burden of representing alternative voices in UN SC.

The reaction of the US to this agreement shows plainly that it is not interested in a peaceful resolution. The US wants confrontation and the overthrow of the Iranian government. These sanctions are meant to soften Iran up for attack by denying them effective means of defense. If China and Russia do not see through this disgusting US charade, then they are weak and stupid. This is the same nonsense that was done to Iraq.

@Bianca. I think I've read another admonition of yours to RT to "keep in mind, the audience that comes to RT...", and only recently. How do you know what the audience is, and how can you speak for all of them? It seems there are quite a diverse range of opinions that appear on these pages. Sadly, there are often the same old contributors, but I fear I'm fast becoming one too, so I'll have to stop. You also seem to SHOUT a lot in your COMMENTS, Bianca. That may not be inexcusable, but it's a tad unnecessary. On second thoughts, I might have to keep having a look here. The occasional comment can be FUN.

@Roger, I reread my comment. I still believe my observation was accurate. I find RTV very usefull source of information, in fact, it is getting better by leaps and bounds. Several documentaries were exceptionally good, and a number of regular features are excelent forms of alternative media. I do not hesitate to be a critic. Not the critic of ideas, but the critic of inapropriateness. I am still finding this analysis a bit hasty, as it litterally opts to declare the role of Turkey and Brazil nothing more then an "embarrasing attempt" by presumably two second rate countries, a bit naive and out of their league. To quote: "...The surprise agreement was intended as a diplomatic breakthrough to highlight Turkey’s and Brazil’s roles as international mediators. Instead, it turned into a diplomatic embarrassment..." This kind of commentary is rather common in The Economist, Wall Street Journal, New Your Times or Washington Post. But it is a tone well known to the "other" international community that has been on the receiving end of such neocolonial putdowns. I hope you are one of those readers not likely to share the sentiments of colonial style supremacy mentality. My point was that it is far too early to jump to conclusions. I believe that the initiative by Turkey and Brazil does open the door for crafting a solution. After all, NPT is too important to be so blithely used for political football. As imperfect as it is, it is the only vehicle for insuring that the nuclear technology can be used for peacefull purposes, providing that the right is not abused and safeguards are real and effective. On shouting, your point is well taken. There is always a hope that commentators that are tone deaf to the sensibilties and sensitivities of others --- will take it to heart. By screaming, one hopes they will hear and try to understand. It is not likely though. Extra EMPHASIS will not do it. You are absolutely right on that score.

To Paul: Excellent points indeed and as a revolutionary citizen of IRI myself, I find them precise but I add a few points of mine (points other nations either ignore or don’t know about Iran): 1) Russia and China simply don’t care much about others but themselves and they have said so openly and tacitly (so don’t bank on them as we don’t!). They can see the Yanks and other imperialist nations trying to “pull an Iraq” again (they aren’t fools) but they may have received assurances otherwise; in fact we consider Russia as one of the colonial wolves given our history (the Caucuses and Central Asia, etc.). None of that is forgotten and none of “this” is a shock. They (the G8), sadly for them, have no military or even political/economic solutions regarding Iran.

2) The supremacist nations of the North have always prayed on weak countries that can’t defend themselves. Even after 50 years! of sanctions, we’d still not be remotely as useless or weak as Panama, Grenada, Afghanistan or Iraq. The materialist mind may doubt but we, foremost, believe in the tit-for-tat (or response in kind if you will). So reactors for reactors, dams for dams, etc. if you get my drift. Combined w/ Iran’s military/intelligence capabilities (we can be emphatically as ruthless), that should bring some cold sweat to many a forehead. 3) Furthermore, almost the entire (close to 95%) Iran’s defence technology and weapons are domestic (we’re exporters in many classes) so we are a far cry from Iraq, or inept Syria (sitting like a duck getting bombed!). Thus, “sanctions” in whatever form, Yankee congress or the colonial tool UN, cannot achieve much (even though IT IS their objective). They also need the flow of oil and gas from Hormuz (which will be instantly shut) or as our missiles have now matured, the Red Sea, the Med. and the Indian Ocean. So, they know and we know, we’re no fluke or a collapsing Arab tyranny or a tiny banana republic.