Obama, Rouhani Break Silence between Nations with Phone Call

(Image source: The White House / Pete Souza) BY CHRISTIAN BRYANT No handshake at the U.N. General Assembly, but President Obama revealed Friday he and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani spoke over the phone — a communication that hasn't happened in decades. Obama: "The very fact that this was the first communication between an American and Iranian president since 1979 underscores the deep mistrust between our countries ..." (Via CNN) The talk centered around Iran's nuclear program and developing better relations with the country. According to Obama, a deal on nuclear power would positively affect the region. (Via The The English-language account linked to Rouhani posted a few tweets during and after the historic phone call. One post says the two, "expressed their mutual political #will to rapidly solve the #nuclear issue." (Via Twitter / @HassanRouhani) But while expressing optimism over the prospect of better relations with Iran, Obama outlined what the real test will be going forward. Obama: "The test will be meaningful, transparent and verifiable actions, which can also bring relief from the comprehensive international sanctions that are currently in place." (Via The White House) The talk between presidents comes on the heels of the U.N. General Assembly, where Rouhani gave his first speech as Iranian president in front of the United Nations. Rouhani's speech criticized the harsh economic sanctions placed on Iran by the West, saying they've hurt relations and the Iranian people. (Via Sky News) The Wall Street Journal says those sanctions — which were issued for Iran's failure to suspend Uranium enrichment — have negatively effected Iran's economy. But many took notice of Rouhani's tone, which was tolerant and hopeful — drastically different than that of his predecessor. Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad notably denied the holocaust at his speech before the U.N. (Via RT) Rouhani and the Iranian government are expected to present a plan in three weeks on how to resolve the nuclear standoff