Twitter chairman exchanges tweets with Rohani's account
Jack Dorsey says it's 'inspiring' to see Iranian president on Twitter, asks 'are citizens of Iran able to read your tweets?'
A Twitter account used by Iranian President Hassan Rohani exchanged tweets on Tuesday with Twitter founder and chairman Jack Dorsey. The BBC Wednesday that the exchange fueled speculation that Iran's social media ban might be lifted.
Dorsey began the exchange by tweeting that it was "inspiring to see Iranian President @HassanRouhani on Twitter. Welcome."
Then he asked: "Are citizens of Iran able to read your tweets?"
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The reply said Rohani was working to ensure they would "comfortably b able 2 access all info globally as is their right."
Dorsey replied: "Please let us know how we can help to make it a reality."
The Twitter founder wrote that the "recent words and actions of both @Pontifex (Pope Francis's account) & @HassanRohani share an impressive spirit of rethinking long-held beliefs. How refreshing!
'Impressive spirit of rethinking long-held beliefs'
The BBC reported that Iran's new administration, which came to power in August, has taken to social media, using it as a diplomatic tool to engage with the rest of the world.
Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif has an active Facebook page, as does Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh.
Rohani, whose campaign slogan was "moderation and wisdom", has had a presence on Twitter since running for election.
He made headlines for apparently posting a New Year message to Iranian Jews, and for chronicling his recent groundbreaking telephone conversation with US President Barack Obama.
However, the BBC reported, there has been some confusion over who is actually operating Rohani's Twitter account.
The president's Twitter handle has not been authenticated by Twitter, which puts a blue tick on profiles it confirms are genuine.
After Rohani's Jewish New Year tweet, his office told reporters that the account was controlled by those close to the president but that he did not personally author the tweets.
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