Obama reveals 'secret letter' to Iranian leader

President Obama revealed the contents of what has been described as a secret letter to Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging him to cooperate in the fight against the Islamic State terrorist group.

“There is a long tradition of mistrust between the two countries, whether they can manage to say ‘yes’ to what clearly would be better for Iran, better for the region, and better for the world, is an open question. We’ll find out over the next several weeks,” President Obama told reporters.

This is believed to be at least the fourth time Obama has written to the Iranian leader. The latest correspondence also urges Khamenei toward a nuclear agreement. Iran has repeatedly refuted claims by Western powers that itrying to make a nuclear bomb, a claim it denies.

The Iranian leader has until 24 November to sign to an international nuclear agreement.

US Secretary of State John Kerry is scheduled to begin negotiations on the issue with Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif this weekend in Oman.