Once again Iran's President Mohammad Khatami has sent the ball over to the U.S. court. Commenting on Iran-U.S. relations, Iran's popular president said: "The only way is that one who has oppressed the other party change its policy and behavior... We have not said we never want to have relations

[with the U.S.], our détente policy includes all countries."

Khatami's statement is a green light from a position of strength. It is time the Americans grasp the opportunity; for many opportunities have been lost thus far. No one is oblivious of Iran's geo-strategic location. Its regional role, great market, natural resources, and its geopolitical location in the midst of a sensitive area bridging the Middle East, Central Asia, Persian Gulf and the northern Indian Ocean area all underline its paramount position in regional developments.

Hence, it is not easy or wise to ignore Iran in any developments involving these regions.

In other words, any country trying to ignore Iran would itself be the chief victim of such a policy.

Recent history bears clear and eloquent testimony to the fact that Americans were the main losers of the oil sanctions they slapped on Iran, for instance. As soon as they imposed sanctions on the Islamic Republic, European, Russian and Southeast Asian companies rushed in and easily filled the lacuna.

We are well-versed on the influence of the Zionist lobby on the U.S. policymakers; we are also aware of the fact that some measures taken by American administrations are purely for domestic consumption, but that does not mean that there will always be an impasse.

Former U.S. secretary of state Madeline Albright made a good headway when she presented a roadmap for rapprochement during a speech at the Asia Society a couple of years ago, but her plan became a victim of politicking and political bickering.

However, it is never too late. The United States can make up for the mistakes even today. A couple of days ago former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani said that the U.S. must take the initiative and prove its sincerity. Although the White House is currently dominated by hawks, as Khatami has said, reasonable and rational American policymakers must not miss the opportunity and heed suggestions made by him and Rafsanjani. They must do it today, tomorrow will be too late.