The perception among many Western analysts is that the Iranians are determined not to play the 90-pound weakling but they really don't want war. Yes, they do, if the choice is between being bombed to death or starved to death.
So it is folly for the U.S. and its allies to keep piling on, in the belief that this will persuade Tehran to clutch at straws.
What could be done is give Tehran assurances that are outside the American-Western orbit. For example, it would help if Riyadh started treating the Shiites in Saudi Arabia as if they were human beings. There is plenty of room for the Saudis to make concessions without fear of being overthrown by Saudi Shiites in cahoots with Tehran.
Better treatment of the Shiites would be more than a message to Iran's leaders; it would be evidence that the Saudis are willing to be an honest negotiator over issues that keep both nations at loggerheads. That would really mean something to the Iranians.
As to assurances from the West -- the Iranians are justified in considering those just more hot air.
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