Rouhani backpedals on suggestion of talks with Trump
The Iranian president has conditioned any meeting with his US counterpart on sanctions removal, a clear shift from an earlier statement that he was prepared for any meeting that might help his country.
![UN-ASSEMBLY/ Iran's President Hassan Rouhani speaks at a news conference on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 26, 2018. REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid - HP1EE9Q1E15GW](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2019/08/RTS22YM4.jpg/RTS22YM4.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=LFlU3DFY)
"If someone is merely seeking a photo opportunity with Hassan Rouhani, that is not possible, unless they lift all the unjust sanctions," said the Iranian president in reference to speculation about a possible meeting with his American counterpart Donald Trump.
Rouhani noted that as for Iran-US ties, "the key to positive developments" is in Washington's hands. "Those who have waged economic terrorism against the Islamic Republic … need to repent and reassume their obligations," he added.