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Iran nuclear: Rivals rally as Rouhani returns from UN | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has been met by hardline protesters chanting "Death to America" on his return from the UN forum in New York. | Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has been met by hardline protesters chanting "Death to America" on his return from the UN forum in New York. |
During his trip, President Rouhani had suggested a shift in tone on Iran's controversial nuclear programme. | During his trip, President Rouhani had suggested a shift in tone on Iran's controversial nuclear programme. |
This culminated in a phone call with US President Barack Obama - the first such top-level conversation in 30 years. | This culminated in a phone call with US President Barack Obama - the first such top-level conversation in 30 years. |
Hundreds of people gathered at Tehran airport, with supporters hailing the trip and opponents throwing shoes. | Hundreds of people gathered at Tehran airport, with supporters hailing the trip and opponents throwing shoes. |
'US initiative' | 'US initiative' |
An Agence France-Presse journalist said some 200-300 supporters gathered outside the airport to thank Mr Rouhani for his efforts. | An Agence France-Presse journalist said some 200-300 supporters gathered outside the airport to thank Mr Rouhani for his efforts. |
But opposite them were about 60 people shouting "Death to America" and "Death to Israel". | But opposite them were about 60 people shouting "Death to America" and "Death to Israel". |
Mr Rouhani raised his hand to the crowds as he was driven off. | Mr Rouhani raised his hand to the crowds as he was driven off. |
A New York Times reporter described the scene as chaotic, with dozens of hardliners hurling eggs and shoes at the president's convoy. | A New York Times reporter described the scene as chaotic, with dozens of hardliners hurling eggs and shoes at the president's convoy. |
The Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA), said: "A crowd of young people and students gathered at Mehrabad airport to show support for the president's remarks and his stance during the trip to New York." | The Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA), said: "A crowd of young people and students gathered at Mehrabad airport to show support for the president's remarks and his stance during the trip to New York." |
It said Ali Akbar Velayati, senior adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and a number of cabinet members also welcomed the president. | It said Ali Akbar Velayati, senior adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and a number of cabinet members also welcomed the president. |
The call with Mr Obama was made just before Mr Rouhani left New York. | The call with Mr Obama was made just before Mr Rouhani left New York. |
Mr Rouhani, quoted by the Fars news agency, said it was the US that had initiated the call, contradicting some reports in the US. | Mr Rouhani, quoted by the Fars news agency, said it was the US that had initiated the call, contradicting some reports in the US. |
"Yesterday, as we were getting ready to head to the airport, the White House called and expressed willingness to set up a phone call between the American president and me," Fars quoted Mr Rouhani as saying upon arrival in Tehran. | "Yesterday, as we were getting ready to head to the airport, the White House called and expressed willingness to set up a phone call between the American president and me," Fars quoted Mr Rouhani as saying upon arrival in Tehran. |
"On our way a call was made to our ambassador's cell phone. The conversation mostly focused on the nuclear issue," he was quoted as saying. | "On our way a call was made to our ambassador's cell phone. The conversation mostly focused on the nuclear issue," he was quoted as saying. |
After the call, Mr Obama said: "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." | After the call, Mr Obama said: "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." |
Mr Rouhani, who is regarded as a moderate and was elected in June, has said he wants to reach a deal over the nuclear issue in three to six months. | Mr Rouhani, who is regarded as a moderate and was elected in June, has said he wants to reach a deal over the nuclear issue in three to six months. |
He has also asserted that Iran does not seek a nuclear bomb, as Western powers have long suspected. | He has also asserted that Iran does not seek a nuclear bomb, as Western powers have long suspected. |
Mr Rouhani said initial discussions had taken place in an environment that was "quite different" from the past. | Mr Rouhani said initial discussions had taken place in an environment that was "quite different" from the past. |
The US and China have said they expect Iran to respond to an existing offer by the US, Russia, Britain, France, China and Germany, who form a negotiating group known as the P5+1. | The US and China have said they expect Iran to respond to an existing offer by the US, Russia, Britain, France, China and Germany, who form a negotiating group known as the P5+1. |
The group has asked Iran to halt production and stockpiling of uranium enriched to 20% - a step away from achieving a nuclear weapons capability. | The group has asked Iran to halt production and stockpiling of uranium enriched to 20% - a step away from achieving a nuclear weapons capability. |
It also demanded Iran shut down the Fordo underground enrichment facility, near Qom. | It also demanded Iran shut down the Fordo underground enrichment facility, near Qom. |
Substantive negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 are due to take place on 15 October, and Mr Rouhani said Iran would bring a plan to that meeting, though he did not give details. |