World | President Obama US Drafts Letter to Iran to Mend Ties Development could lead to direct talks between old enemies By John Johnson Posted Jan 28, 2009 4:34 PM CST Copied Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks in Kermanshah, Iran, Wednesday Jan, 28, 2009. (AP Photo/ISNA, Saman Aqvami) Barack Obama is moving his efforts to improve relations with Iran beyond mere speech-making, the Guardian reports. The State Department is drafting a letter to Iranian leaders to assure them the US is not looking to overthrow the curent regime, just change its behavior. The letter—a response to a congratulatory letter sent by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad—could pave the way toward face-to-face talks. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is reviewing the letter, said to be in at least its third draft. It could be addressed to the Iranian people or to the nation’s spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. One version makes the case that Iran could improve its citizens’ standard of living by losing its pariah status. It also reportedly pressures Tehran on sponsorship of terror groups. Read These Next An 11-year-old girl gave birth at home. The story gets worse. Hundreds of South Koreans were detained at a Georgia factory site. The story of a failed secret SEAL mission in North Korea. This is one hike they won't soon forget. Get breaking news in your inbox. What you need to know, as soon as we know it. Sign up Report an error