Changes

{{main|Containment}}

{{main|Containment}}

In 1985, after Reagan won reelection to his second term, the focus turned from reviving the domestic economy to several foreign policy matters that had been lingering throughout the decade. One such matter involved Iran, a longtime ally of the Western Allies since 1941 that had experienced an [[Islamic Revolution]] in 1979 after President Carter announced [[Human Rights]] had superseded [[Containment]] as the primary focus of American foreign policy. Since 1980, Iran had been enmeshed in a brutal trench war with neighboring Iraq which was emerging as a potent military threat in the region to other allies. Members of the National Security Council staff, along with CIA Director [[William Casey]], persuaded Reagan much could be gained and several problems could be addressed simultaneously with an overture to Iran to restore relations.

In 1985, after Reagan won reelection to his second term, the focus turned from reviving the domestic economy to several foreign policy matters that had been lingering throughout the decade. One such matter involved Iran, a longtime ally of the Western Allies since 1941 that had experienced an [[Islamic Revolution]] in 1979 after President Carter announced [[Human Rights]] had superseded [[Containment]] as the primary focus of American foreign policy. Since 1980, Iran had been enmeshed in a brutal trench war with neighboring Iraq which was emerging as a potent military threat in the region to other allies. Members of the National Security Council staff, along with CIA Director [[William J. Casey]], persuaded Reagan much could be gained and several problems could be addressed simultaneously with an overture to Iran to restore relations.

The objective of the plan was fourfold:

The objective of the plan was fourfold: