So it is rare when one country becomes locked-in as an enemy, or as a friend. Few forget how young radicals took 52 Americans hostage at the embassy here for 444 days. Today Iran is considered by the US to be the most dangerous terrorist state. America appears to be the ultimate guarantor of peace.
Critics say it destabilizes instead.
Israel's best-known peace architect says Israel's survival depends on coming to terms with its neighbors. The region is riddled with political minefields that could touch off new conflicts. But the landslide victory of Mohammed Khatami, a relatively liberal cleric, in May presidential elections may presage a different future. And we are now looking for ways to accomplish that goal. Iranians have long considered US isolation of their country to be ham-handed, though a German court earlier this year found that Iran's leadership had issued direct orders to assassinate opponents of the regime in Berlin.