Shoe thrown at Iranian President following historic Obama phonecall

Last night’s phone conversation was the first direct contact between leaders of the two nations in 34 years.

By AFP Saturday 28 Sep 2013, 1:14 PM

Sep 28th 2013, 1:14 PM 9,095 Views 63 Comments

http://jrnl.ie/1104970

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani

Image: John Minchillo/AP/Press Association Images

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani

Image: John Minchillo/AP/Press Association Images

A SHOE WAS thrown towards Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s car today as he arrived home to a mixed reception following his historic call with Barack Obama.

Some 60 hardline Islamists chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” as Rouhani’s motorcade drew out of Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport.

But they were outnumbered by 200 to 300 supporters of the president who shouted: “Thank you Rouhani.”

A small police contingent separated the rival demonstrators.

The shoe missed the car and Rouhani stood up through the sunroof to acknowledge the crowds.

Before leaving New York, where he attended the UN General Assembly, Rouhani had a 15-minute telephone conversation with Obama — the first contact between leaders of the two countries in more than three decades.

The throwing of a shoe is considered a major insult across the Middle East.

Read: US and Iranian presidents speak by phone in first direct contact since 1979

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Shoe thrown at Iranian President following historic Obama phonecall

Last night’s phone conversation was the first direct contact between leaders of the two nations in 34 years.