Rouhani faces protesters on UN return

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.

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.

‘US initiative’

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”.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

It also demanded Iran shut down the Fordo underground enrichment facility, near Qom.

Substantive talks 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.

BBC Middle East