Prior to flying to New York to attend the UN General Assembly, Iranian President Hassan Rohani wrote in a 20 September Washington Post editorial that “three months ago, my platform of ‘prudence and hope’ gained a broad, popular mandate. Iranians embraced my approach to domestic and international affairs because they saw it as long overdue. I am committed to fulfilling my promises to my people, including my pledge to engage in constructive interaction with the world.” Since his August election he has worked to change his country’s image and policies, to such effect that it was even thought possible that he and Barack Obama might contrive a ‘casual meeting’ in New York, although in the end it did not take place.