New Cracks in U.S.-Iran Impasse

“We are ready to explore further ways to build mutual confidence and avoid misunderstandings.” That offer to Iran from Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is the strongest signal yet that Washington seeks an end to nearly two decades of hostility with the Islamic revolutionary regime in Tehran. The goal, Albright said in a speech to the Asia Society, is not just to ease tensions but to develop “a road map leading to normal relations.” Albright’s comments were reinforced later by President Clinton. At a White House ceremony, he said Iran is “changing in a positive way” that might foster normalization of relations.

The tentative process set in motion in January by Iranian President Mohammad Khatami may now be ready for a major advance. Khatami, a moderate in a ruling elite dominated by dogmatically anti-Western clerics, was elected last year by a remarkable 70% of Iranian voters. He favors an easing of domestic repression and a more pragmatic foreign policy. He has denounced terrorism as anti-Islamic and counterproductive to Iranian national interests. All this gives hope that a changed political climate could emerge in Iran.

But for all his popularity, and however much he may embody the aspirations of the Iranian majority, Khatami must maneuver carefully to avoid giving his enemies reason to accuse him of being too soft on the “Great Satan,” the chief enemy of Islam, as the extremist clerics still routinely label the United States. Albright made a point in this week’s speech of expressing deep respect for Islam and its contributions to civilization. She was seeking to blunt the Islamic fundamentalists’ endlessly repeated claim--which resonates well beyond the borders of Iran--that the United States is anti-Islamic.

The initial response to Albright from Iran’s foreign minister was largely pro forma. Washington, said Kamal Kharrazi, must change its “hostile policies” before there can be progress. That demand may be a precondition to exchanging ambassadors. It is clearly not a precondition to the two sides discussing their grievances, fears and mutual interests.

A number of cultural exchanges have taken place since Khatami invited them six months ago. The next step should be quiet diplomacy, direct contacts between the two governments to talk over their concerns in an atmosphere free of propaganda exchanges. Indeed, it’s unlikely that Albright would have said what she did this week unless there was good reason to believe the time is ripe for such a process of confidence-building to begin.