Zibakalam believes the talks ushered in a new era for Iran-U.S. relations. "Perhaps the details of the deal will not be as important as the fact that for the first time, Iran and the West (took the) risk to cooperate with each other after years," he said.

Lack of trust

While some countries were disappointed in the failure to reach firm agreements during the latest round of Geneva talks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed pleasure over the lack of an agreement between the world powers and Iran, arguing that a potential deal with Iran is "dangerous."

Lu of the CASS noted that Netanyahu's tough stance stems from Israel's sense of insecurity. "After all, Israel is a small country within the region," Lu said.

As a long-time foe, Israel has faced threats of military action by the regional Islamic power. What's more, former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad even publicly questioned Israel's right to exist.

"Israel is firmly opposed to a nuclearized Iran or any concessions regarding the issue. This time, some countries in the Gulf have spoken up in agreement with Israel," said Lu. "They do not want to see a nuclear power in the neighborhood either."

However, Iran's nuclear ambition ironically began in response to the hostile policies of Washington toward Teheran.

Since the 1979 Islamic revolution, Washington has maintained an aggressive stance toward the country, forming an oppositional threat to the Iranian Government. Iran claimed its nuclear program is for self-defense against such intimidation, Lu told Beijing Review. "The fundamental problem lies in the mutual distrust regarding security from all sides."

Chinese contribution

The Chinese Government welcomed the serious attitude and arduous work of all parties involved in the negotiation. At a daily news briefing after the three-day intensive P5+1 talks with Iran, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said all parties showed a willingness to resolve the issue during the talks, narrowing gaps and enhancing understanding among all sides. But he also noted that resolution to the controversial nuclear program cannot be reached in one move.

"China is firmly against nuclear proliferation," said Lu. "Though China is not a major player in the talks, it serves as an irreplaceable bridge between Iran and the West."

Iran has kept close relations with China. Iranian high-level officials have made intensive visits to China in the months prior to the talks.

"After the dialogue with Iran, China has also been closely involved with other members of the P5+1," said Lu. "China has utilized its unique position to promote dialogue and enhance mutual trust between Iran and the West."

Lu hailed the effectiveness of the P5+1 structure. "Without such a platform, multi-party dialogue such as the Geneva talks would be impossible," she said.

During the talks, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong, who attended the talks representing China, called on parties concerned to continue dialogue and consultations on the current basis to enhance mutual trust and expand consensus.

China has always maintained that the issue should be resolved via dialogue, said Li, adding that China will continue to maintain contact with all parties and contribute to the peaceful settlement of the issue through political and diplomatic means.

In his interview with Xinhua, the Iranian scholar Zibakalam said he believes that a thawing of Iran-U.S. relations will be a major step toward solving the country's nuclear issue.

Zibakalam said that the parties' failure to reach a deal with Iran in the recent meeting is "only a delay" and that it laid the groundwork for finalizing it in the next meeting.

Li of the CICIR is optimistic about the upcoming fresh round of talks scheduled for November 20 and said the latest talk hinted at positive results for the next meeting.

"Whether or not substantial steps are achieved in the next round of talks, the process will ultimately move ahead," Lu said.

Email us at: yulingtao@bjreview.com