Within just a few short weeks, using a sophisticated, complex, low cost move, Hassan Rouhani, Iran’s new president, succeeded in changing the rules of the Iranian nuclear game. The change consists of two interdependent aspects: an historic breakthrough to direct dialogue with the United States at the very highest echelons, and the projection of a more moderate approach that can – according to Rouhani and the United States – resolve differences and lead to an agreement on the nuclear issue within a short time. The relationship between the US and Iranian presidents – so far manifested in written exchanges and one publicized Islamic Revolution, for the two nations’ leaders to discuss telephone call – could make it possible, for the first time since the 1979 disputed issues directly and attempt to resolve them.
