No Valentines

By DOUGLAS WALLER/WASHINGTON

The first Valentine from the U.S. came from Madeleine Albright a year and a half ago. After two decades of both countries' vilifying each other, the U.S. was now ready to explore "normal relations" with Iran, the Secretary of State announced. Since then, Washington has sent one warming signal after another. Officials dialed back Iran-baiting rhetoric and eased criticisms of European governments that had normalized relations with Tehran. The State Department even crossed Iran off its list of major narcotics producers and relaxed the U.S. trade ban.

Tehran's response? Chillier than a maiden with an unwanted suitor. "There has been very little coming back," laments a senior Clinton aide. Iranian officials have dismissed Washington's feelers, arguing that crushing economic sanctions are still in place. CIA director George Tenet warned this month that Iran "remains the most active state sponsor" of terrorism and could test a long-range missile "in the next few years" that could reach the U.S.

What does Iran really want? The State Department believes some top Iranian officials--to say nothing of the bulk of the population--want more normal ties. But saying that publicly in Tehran is politically risky. "The moderates," explains Kenneth Katzman, a Middle East expert with the Congressional Research Service, "don't feel they have adequate political cover to pursue [closer ties] right now." Even if his reformers win a majority in this week's elections, Iran's President Mohammed Khatami still may not be willing to go beyond exchanging tourists or sports teams. And though the White House says it will keep up its offers of warmer ties, old hatreds die hard in this part of the world.

--By Douglas Waller/Washington