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Subtle Signs of Thaw in U.S.-Iran Relations

Aired November 06, 2001 - 08:28   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: Few nations in the Middle East have had a more conflicted history with the United States than Iran -- a complicated history. A staunch U.S. ally under the Shah, turned against America under the Ayatollah Khomeini. The U.S. Embassy was overrun, and more than 50 Americans were taken hostage in 1979. They were released after 440 days, on the day Ronald Reagan became president.

Now, some subtle signs point to a thaw in U.S.-Iran relations. Reza Pahlavi is the son of the late Shah. He lives in the United States and joins us from Washington this morning -- good to have you with us -- welcome.

REZA PAHLAVI, SON OF LATE SHAH: Good morning, Paula.

ZAHN: I would love for you to describe to our audience what your assessment is of the changing relationship between the United States and Iran.

PAHLAVI: Paula, when I look at Iran, and I think the world should look at it the same way, we have to separate the people of Iran, who have been the first victim of terrorism at home at the hand of a regime from the regime itself. And, therefore, when you look at a change in attitude, it should be reminded -- that we should be all reminded that the Iranian people have never changed. What had changed 23 years ago was the regime, and in fact, the Iranian people have always demonstrated their support for freedom. And, in fact, after the September 11 attack, we clearly saw the way people demonstrated by holding candlelight vigils, its sympathy to the U.S. and its support of the war against terrorism.

ZAHN: What is significant to note, now, is that Iran is allowing for U.S. to bring relief supplies through Iran on the way to Afghanistan. Iran has also pledged support, if any of America's servicemen or servicewomen are in distress.

How significant is that in your judgment?

PAHLAVI: Well, of course, any move that will accommodate such a conflict would be welcome. However, it should not be looked upon as a serious change of heart by a regime who's entire existence is based on being anti-American and anti-democratic, because its nature simply is one that, without this attitude, it wouldn't survive.

ZAHN: So what do you think will happen in your country? I mean...

PAHLAVI: Well, I think...

ZAHN: ... you bought (ph) reference to the folks demonstrating in support of America in the wake of the September 11 attacks. The government has continued to try to squelch those kinds of overtly, you know, situations where they support the American public.

PAHLAVI: I think that today there is a golden opportunity for the whole world, and especially for the people of a region that have been suffering at the hands of oppressive and unpopular regimes to side with the people of these nations in their quest for self determination of freedom. Afghanistan is the first example. I certainly could point to countries like Iran, my own country, and Iraq, next door.

I think that the world ought to invest today in the people of that region, who are seeking political opportunities, as well as economic opportunities. And the best investment for putting an end to radicalism, extremism and, in fact, terrorism is to invest our democratization. I think our region is ripe for it. Iran is certainly the country most ready for such change, after experiencing the medieval style of theocracy. And the demand for secularization is, today, the leading slogan of an emerging young force in Iran, who have been the first victim of this government and are looking for this opportunity.

And, therefore, I would say that under these circumstances, the U.S., for sure, and the rest of the free world, ought to side with the people of Iran, and state clearly that they stand with them, and not against them, on their path to self determination.

ZAHN: But given the state of the economy in Iran right now, which is extremely weak, what are the chances that you think that a push for democracy will continue there?

PAHLAVI: But precisely one of the reasons there is economic misery in Iran, for a country that has -- is the top three producers of gas and is a top five producers of oil. How could we have one out of two Iranians living under the poverty line today?

These are the questions that people ask. How come we don't have jobs? How come the economy is in such a bad shape? Well, there is corrupt and mismanagement by a regime that has been fairly incapable of conducting any sort of responsible management, and in fact, most of the money has ended up in the pockets of the leading leaders. They are leaving the country with nothing.

The priorities are not even clear. We have single (ph) regime spend millions of dollars promoting terrorism and supporting extremist movements beyond Iran, while people on the streets are starving, and they can't even get proper medical equipment in their own hospitals.

These are the questions that people ask in Iran today, and to gain opportunities for economic betterment and improvement. It all starts with transparency, accountability and sound government, which we don't have today.

ZAHN: The president of Iran, today, calling for the U.N. to help create a broad-based government in Afghanistan. What do you think of that idea?

PAHLAVI: Very interesting that they should say that, because the dilemma that the regime faces on the one hand is that they certainly never tolerated the presence of the Taliban next door, and wanted to see a change, except a change that they would be able to control as a proxy. However, on the other hand, if there's a truly democratic outcome in Afghanistan next door, clearly that will create more pressure on the regime in Tehran, in view of the fact that such precedence will certainly be very attractive to Iranians next door.

Nevertheless, these are facts of life, and I hope that by these changes that I referred to earlier, we can ultimately put an end to extremists and unpopular regimes, like the one we have in Tehran today, and have a truly democratic government, which is representative of the will of our compatriots, replace it on our path back to self determination, and hopefully, all of the opportunities that come along with it, from human rights, political liberties and economic opportunities.

ZAHN: I need a very quick answer to this one, because we're up against a commercial break. Do you ever see a time that you can go back to Iran and potentially even play a political role?

PAHLAVI: My life's mission has been to be committed to a democratic change in Iran, and I have said time and again to my compatriots that I stand to serve them as a catalyst, leading them through a process that will ultimately culminate in a referendum. What they choose in the future for themselves will be what the majority will decide, and I stand ready to serve them in whatever capacity that they see fit.

ZAHN: Sounds like a platform for down the road at some point in time. We really appreciate your joining us -- Reza Pahlavi -- thank you...

PAHLAVI: Thank you, Paula.

ZAHN: ... very much for your time this morning.

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