article_snippet: (CNN)Fortunately, the intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran and another war didn't stop after 47 Republican senators, led by freshman Sen. Tom Cotton, appeared to try to goad Iran's leaders into forgoing a diplomatic solution to the nuclear dispute.
article_snippet: Neither have Neither stopped since Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered what was effectively a reelection campaign speech on the House floor.
article_snippet: Before President Obama's phone call with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani last fall -- the first direct contact between U.S. and Iranian heads of state in more than 30 years -- such an agreement seemed unthinkable.
article_snippet: But the last thing the world needs is another major war in the Middle East.
highlights_snippet: 47 Republican senators last week sent an open letter to Iran's leadership .
  
highlights_snippet: Steve Cohen and Lawrence Wilkerson say Iran talks are at a critical stage .