Prospects for solving Iran’s oil dispute apparently are looking up—both countries are making conciliatory gestures.

Britain’s Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden has formally advised Iran that Britain is ready to resume the diplomatic relations broken off 13 months ago by former Premier Mohammed Mossadegh, now on trial for treason. And Iran’s Premier Fazollah Zahedi has expressed willingness to accept Britain’s offer. [sic—Fazlollah Zahedi] He also has told his people that the remainder of their troubles “will be removed soon.” He added that “a period of prosperity will begin shortly”—an obvious reference to the restoration of Iran’s oil revenues, the country’s chief economic resource, which Dr. Mossadegh managed to reduce to virtually nothing by his nationalization policies.

Resumption of Iranian oil production will benefit all concerned, including the American taxpayer. The United States has been providing funds to keep the Zahedi Government going. If at long last a solution can be found, not the least of the credit will go to Herbert Hoover Jr., State Department oil consultant, who evidently has done well in his mission to get London and Tehran closer together in an effort to eliminate their long-standing controversy.