OSI hosted a talk with Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Javad Zarif. The aim was to offer a forum for discussion on US-Iran relations against a background of uncertainty about Iran's nuclear ambitions and protracted tensions over the role of the United States in the Middle East. Part of OSI's mission is to promote a free exchange of ideas and information. The event, organized with the American Iranian Council, with Ambassador Zarif was just such an exchange, allowing an Iranian official to speak and submit to questions from a diverse audience addressing issues ranging from human rights and press freedom to Iran's nuclear plans. The goal was to gain insight into an isolated country with which there are limited opportunities for communication. Given recent developments in the region, such a perspective is of value and can help inform policy decisions.
This event is one of many OSI has hosted over the years on contemporary Iran covering a wide spectrum of issues and views.