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Obama Speaks by Phone to Iran's Rouhani

by VOA News September 27, 2013

U.S. President Barack Obama says he has spoken by phone with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, the first direct contact between the leaders of the United States and Iran since 1979.

Obama told reporters at the White House Friday that he and Rouhani had constructive talks.

Obama said he believes the two countries can reach a comprehensive solution over Iran's nuclear program and that the conversation shows the possibility of moving forward.

Obama says the United States will coordinate closely with its allies, including Israel.

​​Earlier Friday, Rouhani said he hopes talks with major powers on Iran's nuclear program will yield results in a short period of time.

In a news conference on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Rouhani said Obama has struck a new tone that has left him optimistic about a quick settlement on the nuclear issue.

The Iranian leader said his election in June helped pave the way for better relations between Iran and the West.

Rouhani said he did not meet with Obama this week on the sidelines of the General Assembly because there was not enough time to plan such a meeting.

Also Friday, Iranian officials held talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency, their first meeting with the U.N. body since Rouhani was elected.

IAEA chief negotiator Herman Nackaerts called the talks in Vienna "very constructive" and said the two sides would meet again next month.

The focus of the meeting was to discuss suspicions that Iran has been taking steps to build a nuclear weapon. The IAEA wants to resume an investigation into Iran's alleged atomic bomb research.

Earlier this week, Rouhani said at the General Assembly Iran has a right to pursue a nuclear program for peaceful purposes.

On Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met for 30 minutes with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, on the sidelines of a meeting in New York.

Iran has long insisted its nuclear program is peaceful. The U.S. and some of its allies disagree, and have helped impose several rounds of sanctions that have battered Iran's economy.