Officials Say United States May Open Diplomatic Outpost In Iran

[Purveyor]

Source: Associated Press

June 23, 2008

WASHINGTON - The United States is considering setting up a diplomatic outpost in Iran in what would mark a dramatic official U.S. return to the country nearly 30 years after the American Embassy was overrun and the two countries severed relations.

Even as it threatens the Iranian government with sanctions and possible military action over its nuclear program, the administration is floating the idea of opening a U.S. interests section in Tehran similar to the one the State Department runs in Havana, diplomatic and political officials told The Associated Press on Monday.

Like the one in communist Cuba, an interest section, or de facto embassy, in the Iranian capital would give the United States a presence on the ground through which it can communicate directly with students, dissidents and others without endorsing the government, one official said.

It would process visa applications and serve as a centre for American cultural outreach to locals, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

Now, the U.S. has no diplomatic presence in Iran and relies on the Swiss Embassy in Tehran to serve as its "protecting power." The Swiss now pass messages to the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Washington's behalf and handle the affairs U.S. citizens in the country.



Read more: http://www.ckwstv.com/news/world-news/20080623-Officials-Say-United-States.html

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They should just call it what it is, a 'spy-base'.

Of course I'm sure Iran is going to tell the US to 'go pound sand' to this proposal considering the current state of relations.

[LakeSamish706]

1. I hope Iran does tell them to go pound sand... This F***ing US Administration...

are complete morons and arrogant ones at that.

[bluesmail]

2. oh sure

[uppityperson]

3. While it would be good to have diplomats there, I agree they probably will be spies.

[CountAllVotes]

4. we were run out before

and we will be run out again.

Don't underestimate the Iranian people! :mad:

:dem: :kick:

[stillcool]

5. By way of bombs?

[VP505]

6. Good for *, always thinking,

set up a phony diplomatic outpost in Iran and when some radical car bombs it, voilà, you have an instant good excuse to send in the bombers. I am sure our big ally in the Mid East will appreciate the opportunity to join the attack.:sarcasm:

[Tutonic]

7. The Bush Doctrine. Schizophrenia.

[Doctor_J]

8. What?!?! You mean they want to TALK TO IRAN?!?!?

Fucking terrorist sympathizers.

:sarcasm:

[bluedeminredstate]

9. THE AXIS OF EEEEVUL???

Why does this administration hate America?

[LynnTheDem]

10. And what does Iran have to say about this? Not that Iran is sovereign, or anything.

American arrogance; always deep, always stunning.

[Baclava]

11. Sounds like a ready-made hostage crisis to me

No thanks

[Bush_MUST_Go]

12. Bush to Iran: BRING 'EM ON..... please, I'm begging you.