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Rouhani Puts US to the Test

Presidents Barack Obama and Hassan Rouhani may have limited time to solve the nuclear crisis and reduce sanctions against Iran.
Iranian President-elect Hassan Rohani gestures to the media during a news conference in Tehran June 17, 2013. REUTERS/Fars News/Majid Hagdost  (IRAN - Tags: POLITICS PROFILE) ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. FOR  EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS PICTURE IS DISTRIBUTED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - RTX10QWD
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In the wake of several recent developments, hopes for untangling the Gordian knot between Iran and the United States that emerged with Hassan Rouhani’s election are gaining momentum.

Chief among them is the exchange of letters between the presidents of the two nations, initiated by President Barack Obama. While a decade-long confrontation over Iran’s nuclear program has spiraled into a perilous stage, this rare opportunity for settlement cannot be missed. However, misunderstanding the Iranians’ position and constraints could severely threaten the rapprochement sought by both sides.

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