US Drafts Letter to Iran to Mend Ties

Development could lead to direct talks between old enemies
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 28, 2009 4:34 PM CST
US Drafts Letter to Iran to Mend Ties
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks in Kermanshah, Iran, Wednesday Jan, 28, 2009.   (AP Photo/ISNA, Saman Aqvami)

Barack Obama is moving his efforts to improve relations with Iran beyond mere speech-making, the Guardian reports. The State Department is drafting a letter to Iranian leaders to assure them the US is not looking to overthrow the curent regime, just change its behavior. The letter—a response to a congratulatory letter sent by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad—could pave the way toward face-to-face talks.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is reviewing the letter, said to be in at least its third draft. It could be addressed to the Iranian people or to the nation’s spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. One version makes the case that Iran could improve its citizens’ standard of living by losing its pariah status. It also reportedly pressures Tehran on sponsorship of terror groups. (More President Obama stories.)

Get breaking news in your inbox.
What you need to know, as soon as we know it.
Sign up
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X