Although this move was telegraphed a while back, it's good to see some momentum. There must be much, much more going on behind the scenes here. The US, our allies and Iran seem to be making some genuine progress. Remember, when you want something from your adversary you have to give them something. And I don't see this as too much of a giveaway. Besides, based on my interpretation of the guiding tenets of international law that apply to Iran's enrichment program is that it is not illegal. Regardless, a graf from the Times, 'Sanger-the-uber-tool' no less:

The Obama administration and its European allies are preparing proposals that would shift strategy toward Iran by dropping a longstanding American insistence that Tehran rapidly shut down nuclear facilities during the early phases of negotiations over its atomic program, according to officials involved in the discussions.

But here's a really key graf:

“We have all agreed that is simply not going to work — experience tells us the Iranians are not going to buy it,” said a senior European official involved in the strategy sessions with the Obama administration. “So we are going to start with some interim steps, to build a little trust.”

In the parlance of diplomacy this is called 'confidence building measures.' Clearly indicative that much more is going on behind the scenes.

One last thing, with Sanger moderating his tune, it's beyond clear in my opinion that the Obama Administration is sincere in working towards an opening with Iran. Huge step. Very.