Global expectations of a rapprochement between the United States and Iran have risen following a series of moderate speeches delivered by Iran's pragmatic new president, Hassan Rouhani. Positive responses from the White House have added to the optimistic mood. But despite the improved atmosphere there is little evidence that either side is ready to alter its fundamental stance. At best, prospects for improved relations between the two countries can be described as cautiously optimistic.

In a June 17 speech, just days after his election, Rouhani said explicitly that his government would adopt a moderate approach and seek constructive interaction with the world. His credentials as a moderate should be taken seriously. He served in the governments of the pragmatic Rafsanjani and the reformist Khatami for 16 years, as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.

There is already evidence of Rouhani's moderation in office. His government appointments have demonstrated a resolve to reverse his predecessor's hard line policy. He chose as his Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who was educated in the U.S. and is well regarded there. Significantly, he also put Zarif in charge of nuclear issues, including the upcoming negotiations, and in doing so ensured he keeps close control of nuclear matters. In the past the more conservative Supreme National Security Council had set the agenda.

It seems that Rouhani has also been successful in persuading Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to accept his moderate approach. In a September 17 speech to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Khamenei said he approves of showing "heroic flexibility" in dealing with other countries. Karim Sadjadpour, an Iranian-American expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, remarked that since Khamenei has been known for demonstrating "heroic inflexibility" for nearly three decades, this is a significant change of tone.

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