New Iran President faces domestic backlash against plans to open relations with democratic world

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Shoe thrown as Rouhani home after Obama call

AFP – A shoe was thrown at Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s motorcade Saturday as he arrived home to a mixed reception after his historic call with Barack Obama, an AFP correspondent reported. Iranian newspapers hailed the first contact with a US president.

Before leaving for the United Nations, Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said he hoped to open a new era in dialogue with Washington. He returned to Tehran with more in hand than even the most optimistic predictions. Now begins the harder task for Rouhani.

Iranians from across the political spectrum hailed the historic phone conversation between President Barack Obama and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani, reflecting wide support for an initiative that has the backing of both reformists and the country.