Domestically, public support for his approach remains divided. Some Democrats and Republicans have supported Obama's real politik nonintervention Iran strategy. Pat Buchanan praised Obama's message of friendship, nod to the 1953 coup, and recognition of Iran's right to nuclear power. Buchanan felt this strategy effectively undermined Iran's nuclear defense justification of the U.S. "Great Satan" caricature hell-bent on destroying Iran. Richard Lugar, the ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and John Kerry, the chairman of the committee, agreed that it would be unwise for the U.S. to get further involved with the Iranian elections.

Some Republicans have called for a tougher stance on Iran. Taking a page from President George Bush's idealistic Freedom Agenda, some Republicans have favored a firm projection of American power. Responding to this pressure, Obama has voiced harsher condemnation of recent violence in Iran. He understands that forcefully projecting America's soft power will not improve Iran's electoral nightmare.

In order for engagement with Iran to succeed, the president must not present himself as partial to Iranian factional politics. Regardless of who assumes the presidency in Iran, the Islamic Republic faces an incredible crisis of legitimacy. To secure a better future for the United States and Iran, Obama must continue to respect Iran's internal politics. And he should continue to call on the Islamic Republic for accountability on civil and human rights. As Obama said on June 20:

"If the Iranian government seeks the respect of the international community, it must respect the dignity of its own people and govern through consent, not coercion."

It is up to the Iranian people to decide Iran's future and chart a new course in U.S.-Iran relations.

Christopher Feld, a Salt Lake City executive assistant, is also a historian and human rights activist.