The Continuing Need for a U.S. Opening to Iran


 

Publication Date: March 1987

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): James A. Phillips

Research Area: Government

Keywords: Middle East

Type: Report

Coverage: Iran

Abstract:

The Iranian revolution remains in flux with several ad hoc factions jockeying to fill the vacuum that Khomeini ultimately will leave behind. In the past, Washington has reached out to moderate factions, only to discredit them in the process. In the future, Washington should maintain discreet contact with various factions seeking to succeed Khomeini, wait for one of them to consolidate its power, and encourage the ruling faction to adopt pragmatic policies that are less threatening to Western interests.