The trip by the US deans is viewed as the latest in a series of exchange visits involving senior academics and scientists. The American academics include the presidents of Cornell, Carnegie Mellon and Rice Universities.
"We believe it is important to maintain and renew academic ties between our two countries as a means of laying the groundwork for greater understanding and rebuilding what was once a very healthy collaboration in science and higher education," said Robert Berdahl, the president of the Association of American Universities which organized the tour.
"I think Iranian universities are interested in increased cooperation with US institutions," said David Lebron of Rice University. "Although we shouldn't underestimate the contact that already exists. Don't forget a lot of Iranian academics - especially senior ones - received some of their education in the US"
Officially, the academics are guests of Iran's most prestigious science and technology college, Sharif University, where they will take part in an open question and answer session with Iranian students.
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