Originally Posted by
Ninthace
I get the impression that the animosity between the US and Iran is pretty mutual. Both portray the other as the epitome of evil.
You have not been paying attention. Attempts at normalization were part of W.J. Clinton's overall policy arc in the Middle East.
That didn't work out.
There were some attempts at bridge building (through the Swiss mostly, and baby steps) while we were engaged in Afghanistan during the first few years, but once Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (in Tehran) and a few of our chicken hawks (in Washington) got their hands on things, those also died on the vine.
President Obama's support of the 2015 nuclear deal (a multi lateral move) was an act of good faith, and a part of an overarching attempt at getting back to something close to normal relations.
That still didn't get us to where direct talks, or re establishing direct talks was the norm. (And IIRC, as VP Biden was against it).
The ayatollahs have dug in their heels since 1979.
Of late, since General Soleimani got whacked (during trump's first term) and Biden didn't try to resurrect the nuclear deal, during his term, I don't see what offer has been made to them to try again.
Trump is currently making his offer of direct talks, but since he is at the same time threatening to drop a load of bombs on them, I can see how they are not taking it well.