Iranian joy at US help

Published on 05/01/2004 00:00

ORDINARY Iranians are celebrating a warming of diplomatic ties between Tehran and the United States brought on by the Bam earthquake and hope an end is in sight to a quarter century of isolation from a country many openly admire.

Even though conservative Tehran newspapers may rail at "earthquake diplomacy" by George Bush, many average Iranians on the capital’s streets yesterday said they welcomed the US president’s overtures that may rebuild severed ties.

"I was overjoyed when I first heard America planes were going to fly in to help Bam," said Hassan Tayebi, 51, a retired civil servant.

"I really like Americans. They are really kind people and I hope the aid offer leads to better relations."

Many Iranians show a more favourable attitude to the United States than their own government does.

Mr Bush relaxed US banking restrictions on the Islamic Republic - which he accuses of being part of an "axis of evil" backing terrorists - to help speed relief efforts.

Washington cut ties with Iran in 1980 after the 1979 Islamic revolution ushered in an anti-US government, which let radical students storm the US embassy and hold 52 Americans hostage for 444 days until 1981.

"I hope the earthquake policy can serve as a starting point for Iran and the US," said Anita, 27.

"I don’t think Iranians harbour bad feelings towards Americans. On the contrary. And I don’t think Americans hold grudges against us. The problem is, Iran closed its door to America years ago and Americans wrongly think we hate them."