But while a majority of Iran’s population and a sizable chunk of its political elite recognize that the “death to America” culture created in 1979 is obsolete, small but powerful cliques – both within Iran and among the country’s Arab allies – have entrenched economic and political interests in preventing a rapprochement with the US. Domestically, Iranian hard-liners recognize that improved ties with the US could catalyze political and economic reforms that would undermine the quasi-monopolies they enjoy with the country in isolation.
