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Iran’s careful balancing act

As Iran gives final approval to move forward with implementing the Iran nuclear deal, it is holding back for now on expanding contacts with the United States to discuss regional crises, wary of US influence and seeking to preserve internal balance.
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WASHINGTON — As Iran’s Guardian Council gave final approval to proceed Oct. 14, the Iran nuclear deal is finally set to enter its adoption phase next week.

But even as Iran shows determination to move forward with implementing the nuclear deal, its leadership is also showing signs of wariness about moving to expand contacts with the United States, ruling out bilateral talks with the Americans on regional issues for now, even as it reaches out to Europe on Syria and has accepted European offers to mediate and try to facilitate a dialogue between Iran and the Sunni Gulf states, as yet rebuffed by Saudi Arabia.

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