For those who think Airforce One is about to land in Tehran, a string of recent statements from Barack Obama’s closest associates tell another story. Not only has the President gone on record in support of tougher sanctions; not only has he reconfirmed Treasury Undersecretary Stuart Levey to his post as U.S. sanctions pointman against Iran; now President Obama has had two top figures speak officially to pour cold water on the engagers’ enthusiasm.

Speaking on Sunday, on CNN’s State of the Union, Af-Pak special envoy, Richard Holbrooke expressed scepticism of any diplomatic breakthrough with Iran at the Afghanistan conference due to take place tomorrow in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary, Robert Gates, appeared on Fox News on the same day to express his own doubts about diplomacy, indicating a strong preference for sanctions. As reported by AFP, Gates said,”I think frankly from my perspective the opportunity for success is probably more in economic sanctions in both places (Iran and North Korea) than it is in diplomacy.” The Pentagon chief added, “Diplomacy perhaps if there is enough economic pressure placed on Iran, diplomacy can provide them an open door through which they can walk if they choose to change their policies.” Holbrooke said that, “what gets them to the table is economic sanctions.”

If this is the engagement President Obama has in mind, I can’t wait to see it.