With President Obama visiting the United Nation next week, a question is on a number of people’s mind: Will the President meet with Iran’s new President Hassan Rouhani?
Jay Carney, White House Spokesman, suggests that this is possible in saying, “Obama believes there is an opportunity for diplomacy when it comes to the issues that have presented challenges to the United States and our allies with regards to Iran, and we hope that the Iranian government takes advantage of this opportunity.”
Officials have clarified that no meetings are scheduled between the two even though they will both be present. This is despite communication between the two in the form of letters which have been exchanged over the ongoing dispute, thanks to Iran’s nuclear program. With that said, there’s every possibility that an impromptu meeting can occur between President Obama and Rouhani.
Both parties have recently spoken with the media confirming that communication between the two Presidents have occurred, with Rohani still denying that Iran wants nuclear weapons, and Obama clarifying why the United States is interested in the resolution of this issue.
In particular, Rohani has mentioned that he has received an open and positive letter from Obama after the recent elections in Iran and it could mean “subtle and tiny steps towards an important future” while reiterating that Iran is only looking to use nuclear power for peaceful purposes.
However, Obama has stated that Iran must clearly show that it does not intend to weaponize nuclear power in order for it to rejoin the international community.