Mohammed Mossadegh, the crying premier of Iran, is at it again. In a virtual ultimatum, he demands British acceptance of his proposals for settlement of the Anglo-Iranian oil dispute within ten days—“or else.” The “or else” is believed to imply a break in diplomatic relations with London if Mossadegh’s terms are not met.

Even if Mossadegh is speaking for the violent elements which returned him to power, he is playing with fire. Such high-handed tactics can not only speed Iran’s national suicide, but they are a real threat to world peace.

The Iranian premier now agrees to submit the issue of compensation for confiscated British oil properties to arbitration by the International Court of Justice. He also offers to pay compensation, gradually, from profits of properties which, unless managed properly, may never be able to meet the obligation. To top it all off, Iran has agreed to accept a formerly rejected loan of $137,200,000. This, too, Mossadegh offers to repay, in dubious installments.

The threat that unless its terms are met immediately, Iran will surrender itself to events “detrimental to world peace,” is in particularly poor taste. Since Iran is in no position to enforce its terms on Britain, there is a suspicion that Mossadegh expects the United States to support the attempted extortion. That is a point upon which he should be straightened out immediately.