Iran Protests Against U.S. and Regime on Hostage Anniversary

Iranian Protesters Oppose Obama's Contacts With Regime

"Most people were disappointed...they didn't expect him to do the negotiation with Ahmadinejad. It's up to Obama to decide where to go from here," the protester said.

The White House chided Iran today on its rough treatment of opposition protesters, particularly reports of opponents being clubbed with batons.

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"We obviously have seen and are following the reports of this, and hope greatly that violence will not spread," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.

President Obama had issued a statement marking the hostage crisis anniversary, saying that after 30 years the United States was "seeking a relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran based upon mutual interests and mutual respect."

Despite the conflicting protests there is little indication that Iran is prepared to significantly alter its view of the United States.

"Iran and the U.S. severed their diplomatic relations 30 years ago….America has burned all its bridges," wrote the conservative Resalat newspaper. "The Iranian elites, and its genuine statesmen, believe that there is no hope of Iran and the U.S. entering talks, let alone reviving their relations."

Bruce Laingen, a former U.S. diplomat who served as chief of mission at the U.S. embassy in Tehran during the takeover, does not see that position softening.

"[They're] not given to much compromise in their relationship with the United States," said Laingen, who was held hostage during the 444-day crisis. Laingen is a proponent of engagement with Iran, and backs President Obama's approach through multilateral talks.

"I also don't see any likely upheaval of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the near term, but I think over time it must change. It's evident in the way in which people in Iran are expressing their views," said Laingen.