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Iran: Friend or Foe?

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Last month, Iran strongly condemned the terrorist attacks on the United States, leading some to wonder if U.S.-Iranian relations might be entering a new phase of cooperation after decades of antagonism. But late last week, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei bluntly ruled out Iranian support of U.S.-led military activity. Over the weekend, Iran warned the U.S. about using its airspace.

Pro-western moderates have gained influence in Iran in recent years. Bahman Baktiari of the University of Maine says while some overtures of friendship have been made, there are some aspects of the two nations that will always lead to tension.

Guests:

Bahman Baktiari, Professor of Political Science, University of Maine;
Jackie Lyden, NPR's Middle East Correspondent;
John Ward Anderson, of Washington Post with the latest from Tehran.

This program aired on October 1, 2001.

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