The Islamic Republic of Iran has bought itself some more time in its attempts to reach a resolution with Western powers over its uranium enrichment program.  After the latest meeting between Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani and Javier Solana the European Union foreign policy chief in Lisbon, Portugal, the talks were described as "constructive" by Mr. Solana.  Mr. Larijani said that Iran wanted a diplomatic solution to the dispute and both sides have agreed to hold another round of talks in about three weeks time.  Prior to this meeting Iran also agreed to clear up outstanding issues with the International Atomic Energy Agency, although details have not been given yet.  The Islamic Republic must bear in mind that the permanent members of the UN Security Council are considering much tougher sanctions against Tehran if it refuses to give up its enrichment program.  These sanctions are likely to include restrictions on Iranian airline and shipping routes, freezing of Iranian banks' assets abroad, and further travel bans on Iranian officials.  If these sanctions are agreed upon and implemented they will bring about serious hardship for Iran's citizens and businessmen and put a further strain on already shaky Iranian economy.  The leaders of the Islamic Republic must realize that the consequences of intransigence are heavy indeed, as has been experienced by countries such as Libya, Iraq, and now North Korea, all of which had to finally succumb to the will and power of Western nations in one way or another.  As we have stated in this column many times before, it would be best for Iran to suspend it s enrichment program and return to negotiations to resolve this nuclear standoff before time and Western patience and run out and we end up with military action.