A decade after the Iran hostage crisis gripped the nation, most Americans favor normalizing relations with Tehran if it would win the release of U.S. hostages in Lebanon, a national poll has found.
Even while respondents supported such a deal, eight in 10 in the Media General-Associated Press poll believe Iran supports world terrorism, and roughly half regard it as an enemy of the United States.Nearly three-quarters believe Iran controls the groups holding American hostages in Lebanon, and 61 percent say Washington should offer to resume normal relations if Tehran used its influence to get the Americans freed.
Support was somewhat lower for releasing Iranian assets now locked in U.S. banks if Iran got the hostages out, with 50 percent in favor. Iran offered last week to help free the hostages if the money were released.
Eighteen Westerners, including eight Americans, are held in Lebanon, most of them by groups believed to be loyal to Iran. It is unclear to what extent Iran controls the captors.