Iran–America Society

In 1970, Richard Gilbert wrote: "The cultural headquarters of the Iran America Society (IAS) was a modernistic domed structure in the northern part of the city, up Television Street, where the TV and radio studios and transmitters were located.

The aims of the Society seemed many and varied to us but it was officially to promote understanding and cultural bonds between the two relevant nations.

It was obviously solidly supported by US Government funds, closely attached to the Peace Corps and the diplomatic service, while some other rather clandestine activities may have operated under its cover.

They ran classes in English and other subjects, held public exhibitions and educational films, had an amateur dramatics group and a host of other activities.

We were to visit the place quite frequently during our time in the city and it soon became apparent that many people associated with the IAS were in the US armed forces, which suggested that perhaps the Society was a useful facade for US intelligence activities.