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Rumours circulating in the Western media claim that the US is preparing to establish a diplomatic presence in Iran "in the next few weeks". Interestingly, the US has refused to either confirm or deny the reports, but merely reiterated its position on trying to engage the Iranian people and encourage them to visit the US.
Obviously at this stage of events, the US will be cautious to say anything that might pre-empt events, especially if there is a sign of thawing of relations between the two countries. It is over 30 years since the US had any form of presence in Iran, and since that time relations between the two countries have been less than friendly, resulting in an almost face-to-face confrontation and trial of strength.
On both sides, there are many reasons why the separate positions are taken, not least being the controversy over Iran's development of nuclear energy - alleged by the US to be the precursor to a nuclear weapons programme. However, with sanctions against Iran beginning to bite, and Iran's domestic economy all but collapsing while oil surpluses are spent on arms and armaments, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's popularity is on the wane, while Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei seems to be dictating the pace of rapprochement between Iran and the US.
Anything that will smooth the path between the US and Iran will be welcome, not only by Iranians and Americans, but also by all the people in the Middle East. Despite indication otherwise given by the US, Iran is a major player in the Middle East and cannot be overlooked or sidelined, for whatever reason. If the rumours of a US presence in Iran are true, then now is the time to implement the move. It will leave the door open for the US president's successor to build on the initiative.
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