Shoe thrown in mixed reception for Rowhani after Obama call

TEHRAN: A shoe was thrown towards Iranian President Hassan Rowhani's car Saturday as he arrived home to a mixed reception for his historic call with Barack Obama, an AFP correspondent reported.

Some 60 extremists chanted "Death to America" and "Death to Israel" as Rowhani's motorcade drew out of Tehran's Mehrabad Airport.

But they were outnumbered by 200 to 300 supporters of the president who shouted: "Thank you Rowhani."

A small police contingent separated the rival demonstrators.

The shoe missed the car and Rowhani stood up through the sunroof to acknowledge the crowds.

Before leaving New York where he attended the UN General Assembly, Rowhani had a 15-minute telephone conversation with Obama on Friday, the first contact between leaders of the two countries in more than three decades.