BERNARD SHAW, CNN ANCHOR: The United States indicated Tuesday it may loosen the ban on exports from Iran. It is seen as another step toward better relations between the two countries. More from our CNN State Department correspondent Andrea Koppel.</s>ANDREA KOPPEL, CNN STATE DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In a gesture of goodwill to Iranian reform, the Clinton administration is expected to announce that Tehran can resume exporting carpet, caviar and pistachio nuts to the United States. The announcement could come as soon as Friday, when a senior U.S. official, possibly Secretary of State Albright will address the American-Iranian council in Washington.</s>GEOFFREY KEMP, THE NIXON CENTER: We've talked about doing this for some time now. It is a gesture that will be helpful to Iran and won't undermine our strategic objectives.</s>KOPPEL: The expected easing of this U.S. ban, in effect since 1987, follows a decision by President Clinton Monday to renew sanctions against Iran for another year, including those against U.S. investment in Iran's oil industry. The White House explained Mr. Clinton's decision had to be made by Wednesday, when sanctions were set to expire. Even so, some Iranians now feel the U.S. is sending mixed signals about its intentions.</s>SHAUL BAKASH, GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY: The lifting of the sanctions on the import into the United States of caviar, rugs and pistachios won't be regarded in Iran as a major step, but it will start the ball rolling, and if the Iranians respond by beginning the purchase of grain from the United States, that might build up some momentum for more significant steps to be taken by the two countries a bit later on.</s>KOPPEL (on camera): Realistically, U.S. officials don't expect a serious dialogue with Iran to begin for months to comes. In the meantime, the World Bank plans to announce a gesture of its own next month, a long-awaited package of $230 million in loans to Iran, despite U.S. objections. Andrea Koppel, CNN. the State Department.
U.S. Indicates It May Loosen Ban on Exports from Iran