After a week of measured overtures between Iran and the United States at the United Nations General Assembly, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani appeared at the Asia Society in Manhattan last night. Takeaway Host John Hockenberry was on-site to witness Rouhani’s speech and even a surprise appearance.
At the end of the event Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif arrived fresh from his meeting with Secretary of State John Kerry—the first substantive high level meeting between the two countries since 1979. He was rushed to the podium to give a briefing and showed that there is clearly momentum to do something beyond a boxing match between Iran and the United States.
Geneive Abdo, fellow with the Middle East program at The Stimson Center and non-resident fellow at The Brookings Institution, explains the diplomatic path being forged by Iran.
To listen to the full interview, click here.