The carrots are getting juicier and the sticks are getting bigger, but with Europe set to offer up a new proposal on Wednesday aimed at persuading Iran to abandon its uranium enrichment program, chances for a major breakthrough in the standoff with Iran seem as far off as ever. Even as pressure against Iran mounts, the country continues to insist on its right to nuclear research for civilian purposes.

Indeed, Tehran's stubbornness may be leading Germany -- which, along with permanent United Nations Security Council members France and Britain, has been heavily involved in negotiations with Iran -- to rethink its strategy. According to Der Spiegel, Berlin is arguing for a more realistic approach to Iran: One that would provide international recognition for the current state of Iranian nuclear research -- including the country's ability to enrich uranium -- under the condition that the international community would have full access to observe the enrichment process.

One can't realistically expect Tehran to shut down its facilities, a German government spokesman said late last week. One has to make a "realistic offer that takes into account the country's pride."

Both German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, however, are not overly confident of winning over the United States and their European partners with their new idea. Indeed, Merkel was quick to point out that unity among Britain, France and Germany remains Berlin's first priority. With fear that Iran is interested in acquiring nuclear weapons, any proposal that allows the country to produce enriched uranium -- which is necessary for both civilian energy production and for nuclear arms -- is sure to be controversial.

A plan currently being considered by the six countries most directly involved in finding an international response to the Iranian nuclear program -- the five permanent Security Council members US, Russia, China, France and Great Britain, plus Germany -- seems more likely. Under the proposal currently being hammered out for presentation on Wednesday in London, Iran would be offered an end to Security Council pressure should it freeze its uranium enrichment program and return to the negotiating table. In addition, Europe would offer assistance in building a new light-water reactor in Iran, which would allow the country to enrich uranium to a degree necessary for electricity production, but which makes it more difficult to produce the highly enriched uranium necessary for a nuclear weapon.

The draft proposal will also reportedly include the threat of force should Iran refuse the offer. It is still doubtful, however, that the Europeans and Americans could get Russia and China to agree to any language which includes the threat of force. In China on Monday, Merkel and her Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao agreed that Iran should not have the capability to manufacture nuclear weapons. But China remains skeptical of slapping Iran with sanctions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov over the weekend once again emphasized Moscow's opposition to sanctions.

Last week, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad dismissed the European offer of economic incentives and help with a light-water nuclear reactor by saying: "Do you think you are dealing with a 4-year old child to whom you can give some walnuts and chocolates and get gold from him?" The country then turned around and mockingly offered Europe economic assistance. Iran, however, has said it will consider the European offer once it is formally presented on Wednesday.