United States President Barack Obama and Iran’s recently appointed President Hasan Rowhani have reportedly exchanged letters this summer, marking an important step towards a diplomatic relationship which was severed in 1980.
In the wake of the recent Syrian chemical weapon attacks, many wonder what precedent the U.S.’ reaction sets for similar countries. At the moment, Rowhani is working towards Iran’s own nuclear program, a potential threat to the U.S and grounds to wonder what Iranian-American relationship will take shape.
Reuters reports that both the U.S. and Iran are open to finding a diplomatic solution over Iran’s nuclear program, but few imagine it will be easy.
Obama said, “Negotiations with the Iranians is always difficult [...] I think this new president is not going to suddenly make it easy,” reports NPR News.
But Obama also somewhat optimistically added he suspects “Iranians recognize they shouldn’t draw a lesson that we haven’t struck [Syria]--to think that we won’t strike Iran. On the other hand, what they should draw from this lesson is that there is the potential of resolving these issues diplomatically.”
President Rouhani has also announced his own wish for a diplomatic end to the Iranian nuclear program dispute.