Iran should keep ...
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Given the uncertainty and stalemate that have followed provocation of the snapback, how long can this situation persist, and what options does Iran have to break the impasse? What demands could Tehran put forward to return to the path of agreement?
A few points come to mind for exiting the deadlock. First, keeping diplomatic channels open with all influential parties to the nuclear file, including Europe, the United States, and other Security Council members. Second, engaging in direct, public or private, interaction with US counterparts to speed the transmission of diplomatic messages at times of crises or in order to create openings in relations in case Iran formulates a strategy for comprehensive negotiations with the United States. Next, developing a post-snapback diplomatic strategy. Such diplomacy could involve a broad array of engagements with China and Russia aimed at forestalling the enforcement of Security Council sanctions, or at least finding new avenues for economic and security cooperation with those states. It could also include outreach to regional actors to build new coalitions or strengthen existing partnerships in security and economic spheres.
Finally, rebuilding the country’s defense capabilities—through consultations with states like China for the purchase of air defense systems and weapons—and bolstering missile capabilities to raise the costs of any new military action against Iran. Those are the principal courses of action that come to mind for steering Iran out of the current impasse.