This expression of sympathy is not unexpected. A team of American wrestlers went to Iran a couple of years ago, and while the official newspapers had to toe the line in terms of hating the American government, they did express affection for the American wrestlers.
There is something of a cultural love affair with American in Iran - which was open during the Shah, and is kept in secret now. Hopefully their odious government will go and that relationship will be renewed.
Regards, Ivan
Indeed, I follow them fairly closely and feel that there is a great deal of hope for them. DU however is another matter :)