- The Media Line - https://themedialine.org -

Rohani Returns Home to Hero’s Welcome Despite Detractors

Despite the vocal presence of some critics of any contact with the United States, Iranian President Hassan Rohani’s arrival at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport was seen by many as triumphant. The new president’s apparent success at reversing the dismal state of relations with the West that was highlighted by the telephone call between Rohani and President Obama; and the belief that Iran’s newly-emerging moderate image will alleviate the burden of international sanctions that have wreaked havoc on the Iranian economy, contributed to support for Rohani that is apparent among the nation’s clerics as well as those calling for reforms. Most significant is the apparent support Rohani has from Supreme Ruler Ayatollah Khamenei, whose green-light is imperative for any significant policy change. Rohani’s triumph was topped-off by a tangible trophy:  a 2,700-year old artifact that was smuggled to the US by an art dealer in 2003 back to Iran.