Reagan Negotiates with Iran?

This New York Times article published in 1991 describes a suspicion surrounding the Iranian Hostage Crisis. It reveals a theory that Reagan negotiated a deal with Iran to prevent the release of the U.S hostages. Under the scope of Reagan’s election campaign it would be advantageous for the hostages to remain held in Iran thus damaging Carter’s presidency. While all allegations were denied by Reagan and his administration, the theory offers a startling thought as to the way a presidency could have been won.