Iran Returns to the Global Stage

After a three-month hiatus, Iran seems set to re-emerge near the top of the U.S. agenda. Last week, the Iranian government congratulated U.S. President-elect Barack Obama on his Nov. 4 electoral victory. This marks the first time since the Iranian Revolution that such greetings have been sent.

While it seems trivial, the gesture is quite significant. It
represents a diplomatic way for the Iranians to announce that they
regard Obama’s election as offering a potential breakthrough in
30 years of U.S. relations with Iran. At his press conference, Obama
said he does not yet have a response to the congratulatory message, and
reiterated that he opposes Iran’s nuclear program and its support
for terrorism. The Iranians returned to criticizing Obama after this,
but without their usual passion.