U.S. Launches Virtual Iran Embassy

The United States has launched a web-based “embassy” in both English and Farsi in what observers have called “a bid to promote dialogue with the Iranian people in the absence of formal diplomatic ties.” The site offers visitors what it described as “another perspective” for Iranians who “remain hungry for information about the United States.” Wendy Sherman, the undersecretary for political affairs, said, “This initiative is designed to enhance our outreach to the Iranian people, notwithstanding the lack of diplomatic ties between our two governments,” adding that “… we certainly want to increase the number of students who are coming here [with this effort].”

“This website is not a formal diplomatic mission, nor does it represent or describe a real U.S. embassy accredited to the Iranian government,” the State Department said in an introductory note. “But, in the absence of direct contact, it can work as a bridge between the American and Iranian people.” The State Department also operates a Farsi-language Twitter account.