A study examined the similarity or dissimilarity between the "New York Times'" editorial position on Iran and Iranian affairs and the official United States foreign policy towards Iran as reflected in the "Department of State Bulletin" for the period of 1968-1981. Each piece was categorized by major category and sub-category by three coders who provided a general evaluation and an evaluation using the scale "favorable,""unfavorable," or "neutral." Results indicated that: (1) a similarity existed between the newspaper's editorial position and government policy towards Iran's internal and foreign relations, particularly as they related to the United States; (2) while the United States government pursued a conciliatory attitude but low profile during the Iranian Revolution, the"Times" shifted to a more critical position towards Iran; and (3) there was a great affinity between the newspaper's editorial position and that of the United States government during the hostage crisis. (Eleven tables of data are attached.) (RS)