New Delhi, Feb. 11 -- As Iran and the United States return to the negotiating table over Tehran's nuclear ambitions, the geopolitical stakes have shifted. While Iran enters these discussions, which began on 6 January, on much weaker footing than in the past, US President Donald Trump arrives emboldened by the recent success of the Venezuela operation.

Mint explores the implications of this recalibrated power dynamic for the future of the nuclear deal.

The subject is Iran's nuclear programme-specifically, a complete end to Tehran's uranium enrichment. The US also wants Iran to hand over 440 kg of near-weapons-grade uranium, estimated to be enough material to make 10 nuclear bombs.

Washington also wants to widen the ambit of the talks to...