Iran and Nuclear Weapons 2012 Brief history of Iranian- U.S. Relations

Today some believe Iran is developing nukes… West says developing weapons… Iranians say developing energy..

What is the relationship between U.S. government & Iranian Government! Iran and the U.S. have had no diplomatic relations since 1979….

No Diplomatic Relations with Iran since 1979

American Hostages in Iran in 1979… After the Shah, “American puppet” government was overthrown the U.S. allowed the Shah to escape Iran and came to the U.S. Iranian’s wanted him tried for abuses against the people…

Why did things change in early 2000? Reformist government in power! Mohammed Khatami Won almost 70% of vote! Elections of Presidents!

Mohammed Khatami was a reformist & supported change… Freedom of Expression Tolerance In Iran Improved Relations with other countries & the U.S. Move toward more democracy in Iran.

How did U.S. & Iranian relations improve ??? The New reformist government in Iran was trying to improve relations with the U.S….

Iranian’s sympathized with U.S. after 9/11 Stopped the “Death to America” chants and now chanted “Death to Terrorists” Iranian government condemned the attacks on the U.S.

How did Iran help the U.S. after 9/11? Iranian government used its contacts with the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan to work with the American’s after the 2001 invasion.

Relations decline again in 2003 If you’re the leader of Iran, what would you be worried about after the U.S. invaded Iraq?

Grand Bargain, A Peace Treaty It put everything on the table: Iran's support for terrorism, its nuclear program, even its hostility towards Israel. In exchange, Iran asked Washington for security guarantees, an end to sanctions and a promise never to push for regime change. Lost Opportunity for improved relations with Iran!

U.S. ignored the Grand Bargain! The Ayatollah declared an end to the “Reform Era”! He supports a hardliner for the next Iranian President- 2005

President Ahmadinejad election in 2009 was disputed! 2009 Protests against the disputed victory of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad High unemployment- 11%, 30% inflation, many young college educated Iranians can’t find jobs! Iranian’s want more democratic reform!

U.S. places Sanctions on Iran Crippling the economy of Iran

Protest in Iran

President Obama “I firmly believe that an opportunity remains for diplomacy — backed by pressure — to succeed,” said President Obama.

What do Iranian’s think of American’s today? Excerpt from Kinzer article: ““We are so happy to see American people in Iran,” a woman in Kirman, beaming with joy, told the group I traveled with. “We know they say very bad things about us there, but we like Americans so much.”

New Iranian President & improved relations with U.S. Hassan Rouhani 1 st time since U.S. & Iranian leaders talk!!

STOP HERE Jon Stewart Clips, if didn’t watch during Middle East Unit