Iranian relations with the United States literally does not exist due to Bush hostility and verbal extremism from President Ahmadinejad. The election of Barack Obama has elicited unusual warm greetings from the Iranian leader. “I congratulate you on being able to attract the majority of vote of the participants of the elections. I hope you make the most of the chance of service and leave a good name by preferring people’s real interests and justice to the insatiable demands of a selfish and indecent minority.” There is scant doubt Iranian leaders would like to tone down the current hostility with the United States.
Iran is currently facing an economic crisis due to the drop in the price of oil which has left Ahmadinejad in a precarious position since he has been using oil money to subsidize food and other prices for the Iranian population. Less money means less support for those who need it. Iran would benefit by establishing trade relations with the US and Western nations since it might attract billions of dollars in an investment program that would stimulate the Iranian economy.
Fortunately, Obama has expressed his willingness to discuss issues with Iran without preconditions.
