Surprised Iran subway riders brush shoulders with president
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Rush-hour passengers in the busy subway of Iran's capital have brushed shoulders with a surprising commuter - President Hassan Rouhani.
Rouhani, along Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and others in his government, took the subway and other mass transit in Tehran to work Monday. It was part of their effort to mark "National Clean Air Day."
Rouhani spoke to male and female passengers on the subway, as well as waved to surprised commuters. He also had time to hug and talk to a young boy on his trip to work.
Greater Tehran has a population of 12 million people and suffers from a score of urban problems, such as heavy pollution.
In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian Presidency, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani listens to a woman while boarding a subway in Tehran, Iran, Monday, Jan. 19, 2015. Some Iranian top officials Monday went to work using subway and other public transportation systems showing their support for "National Air Clean Day." (AP Photo/Iranian Presidency Office, Mohammad Berno)
The Associated Press
In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian Presidency, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani waves to people while boarding a subway train in Tehran, Iran, Monday, Jan. 19, 2015. Some Iranian top officials Monday went to work using subway and other public transportation systems showing their support for "National Air Clean Day." (AP Photo/Iranian Presidency Office, Mohammad Berno)
The Associated Press
In this photo released by the official website of the office of the Iranian Presidency, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, center, greets a boy while boarding a subway train in Tehran, Iran, Monday, Jan. 19, 2015. Some Iranian top officials Monday went to work using subway and other public transportation systems showing their support for "National Air Clean Day." (AP Photo/Iranian Presidency Office, Mohammad Berno)
The Associated Press
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