Catch the FNS repeat at four with your comments in mind.
This is exactly what Brit was alluding to, as well as Kristol and even Juan Williams.
All this may be so we can claim we tried everything we could, it may be to call their bluff, it may be used to bring the Security Council onboard, etc. Rather than jump on the good versus bad bandwagon, the answer is probably another wait and see situation to learn what happens.
There is no doubt that our conditional participation in multilateral talks with the Iran is part of the international kabuki dance we must do to garner the approbation of world opinion and the UN, which unfortunately many think we need its stamp of approval to defend our national interests.
The Iranians will drag this out and keep the issue on the world's front burner. Iranian nationalism will be stirred and domestic opposition muted. It even has the practical effect of raising the price of oil, giving them more money to fund their support of terrorism.
My only fear is that the US will wind up being humiliated and forced to accept a less than desireable solution after being pressured by the EU, China, and Russia, which have their own reasons for preserving good relations with the Iranian regime.