US President Barack Obama today spoke over phone to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani - the first such top-level conversation in more than 30 years.
"Just now I spoke on the phone with President Rouhani of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The two of us discussed our ongoing efforts to reach an agreement over Iran's nuclear program," Obama told White House reporters at a hurriedly convened press conference.
"I reiterated to President Rouhani what I said in New York. 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," Obama said in his statement to the press at the end of which he did not take any question.
Obama spoke to the Iranian leadership soon after his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, wherein the latter praised his diplomatic efforts towards Iran and Syria.
The US President said he has directed his Secretary of State, John Kerry, to continue pursuing this diplomatic effort with the Iranian government.
"We had constructive discussions yesterday in New York with our partners, the European Union, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia and China, together with the Iranian foreign minister. Going forward, President Rouhani and I have directed our teams to continue working expeditiously, in cooperation with the P-5 plus one, to pursue an agreement," he said.
"Throughout this process, we'll stay in close touch with our friends and allies in the region, including Israel," said the US President.
Mindful of the challenges ahead, Obama said the very fact that this was the first communication between an American and Iranian president since 1979 underscores the deep mistrust between the two countries, but it also indicates the prospect of moving beyond that difficult history.
"I do believe that there is a basis for resolution. Iran's supreme leader has issued a fatwa against the development of nuclear weapons. President Rouhani has indicated that Iran will never develop nuclear weapons.
"I've made clear that we respect the right of the Iranian people to access peaceful nuclear energy in the context of Iran meeting its obligations," Obama said.
"So the test will be meaningful, transparent and verifiable actions, which can also bring relief from the comprehensive international sanctions that are currently in place," he said.
"Resolving this issue, obviously, could also serve as a major step forward in a new relationship between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect," he added.
"It would also help facilitate a better relationship between Iran and the international community as well as others in the region, one that would help the Iranian people fulfil their extraordinary potential but also help us address other concerns that could bring greater peace and stability in the Middle East," he said.
"A path to a meaningful agreement will be difficult. And at this point both sides have significant concerns that will have to be overcome. But I believe we've got a responsibility to pursue diplomacy and that we have a unique opportunity to make progress with the new leadership in Tehran," he said adding that he also communicated to Rouhani his deep respect for the Iranian people.
