Cognitive Difference

Not Dissonance. The Iranian mullah-ocracy is so far from actually negotiating with Europe, that they really have a totally different way of thinking about things. When a regime wants to stall, there really are no carrots or sticks that will work.

"If the Europeans show wisdom and don't make excessive demands, I think the way is open and we can reach an agreement," said Rafsanjani, a senior parliamentary official. "If they resist, they will give in one day but at a higher price."
-- former Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani

Face it, it's strongly in their national interest to develop nukes. They're gonna string out the IAEA, the EURO-3, and the UNSC until they're done. That's where the arrogance comes from.