Iran

Mennonite Central Committee’s work in Iran began in 1990, in response to a devastating earthquake. Since then MCC’s work has expanded. The vision for MCC’s work in Iran is to promote understanding and friendship between the people of Iran, Canada and the United States and peace between the governments of the countries.

The United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran have not had diplomatic relations since 1979, when the Islamic Republic was founded. The U.S. has imposed various types of sanctions on Iran, and there is considerable momentum in Congress to tighten these further.

Key issues in the U.S.-Iran relationship include U.S. military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, Iran’s role as a regional power, and Iran’s nuclear program. While there are many differences on these issues, there is also significant common ground and shared interests.

In a gesture of willingness to dialogue, President Obama sent greetings to Iran to mark the Persian New Year (Nowruz) in March 2009. On Oct. 1, 2009 officials from the U.S. and Iran held the highest level talks between the two countries since 1979. MCC welcomes these steps, as we believe that diplomacy remains the only viable way to resolve the outstanding differences between the U.S. and Iran.