American and Iranian Presidents Speak for the First Time in over 30 years

[No1]

Obama, Iran’s president talk about nuclear deal

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani spoke by telephone Friday, the first conversation between American and Iranian presidents in more than 30 years. The exchange could reflect a major step in resolving global concerns over Iran’s nuclear program.

Obama told reporters at the White House that he had a constructive conversation with the Iranian leader.

‘‘While there will surely be important obstacles to moving forward and success is by no means guaranteed, I believe we can reach a comprehensive solution,’’ he said.

Obama said he and Rouhani have directed their teams to work quickly to pursue an agreement. He said the US will coordinate closely with its allies — including Israel, which considers an Iranian nuclear weapon capability to be an existential threat.

The fact that it had been so long since American and Iranian presidents had traded words reflected the ‘‘deep mistrust between our countries,’’ Obama said. But he added that it also indicated the opportunity for moving forward.

‘‘I do believe there is a basis for a resolution,’’ he said.

The conversation came hours after Rouhani, wrapping up a trip to the US, called the United States a ‘‘great’’ nation, a sharp reversal from his predecessors that buoyed hopes that the two governments can stop the escalation of tensions.

‘‘I want it to be the case that this trip will be a first step, and a beginning for better and constructive relations with countries of the world as well as a first step for a better relationship between the two great nations of Iran and the United States of America,’’ Rouhani told a news conference at a hotel near UN headquarters.

Rouhani has pledged to reduce nuclear tensions, and UN officials said they have seen encouraging signs from Tehran. Iranian and UN officials agreed to meet again Oct. 28 to continue talks on how to investigate suspicions that Iran worked secretly on trying to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran denies that it wants to build a weapon.

 

[Good Guy Guevara]

This encouraging to hear for the sheer fact that chicken hawk Israelis heads are collectively exploding. Obama might leave office ranked top 10 if he gets them to agree to not purse nukes.

 

[88m3]

idk it's been hard to double park the Audi on 2nd

 

[Type Username Here]

Honestly, the most progressive thing the President has done in years in my opinion. Much respect to that.

The Israelis and religious right are going batshyt over it. Biggest fukk you to Israel/AIPAC that I can remember in the last decade or so.

It's in the best interest of the American people to keep up a strong Iranian, Iraqi and Syrian Shiite governments to keep Israel and the Sunnis in check. If we can do it on peaceful and diplomatic terms it makes it even better.

 

[TheReal_Broke_88m3_13]

making em mad again...

 

[Leasy]

Impressive to say the least. U.S.A allies don't like this one bit because they want to overthrow the current regime and using the Nukes were there excuse.

 

[Kritic]

i just don't get this dude rouhani's strategy...

 

[2Quik4UHoes]

Good to see, less enemies makes it easier for us to focus on issues at home a little more. Actually, it'd be cool to see Obama finally end the blockade on Cuba too.

 

[Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson]

i think dem too nikkas know eash otha.

 

[OsO]