President Hassan Rouhani met with local and international correspondents at his first press conference on August 6. He addressed the full range of challenges Iran faces on both domestic and foreign policy. Rouhani said Iran is prepared to enter “serious and substantive” negotiations on its controversial nuclear program. But he warned that Tehran would not relinquish its right to enrich uranium. Rouhani also expressed an openness to direct U.S. talks, stipulating that Washington must show goodwill and stop pressuring Tehran. The following are excerpts from his press conference.
Nuclear Program and Diplomacy
“We will not dispense with the right of the nation [to nuclear technology]. However, we are for negotiations and interaction. We are prepared to seriously and without wasting any time enter negotiations.
“If the other party prepares enough, like we are, I am confident that the concerns of both sides will be removed through negotiations within a short period.
“We need to have negotiations without threats… Threats will not solve any problems apart from aggravating the situation and if anyone thinks that they can impose their wills and whims on Iranian nation through threats, they are making a very big mistake. So the solution to the nuclear issue needs political determination and political will.
“Constructive interaction will allay mutual concerns. We seek a win-win game, which is possible.
“Negotiations with the P5+1 (Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States) have not failed. We have not come to this conclusion. We need to pursue more serious and explicit negotiations with the P5+1.
“Nobody in Iran has ever said that we should put aside uranium enrichment. Enrichment is the will of our people.
“I did not say that I’m optimistic about nuclear talks. I said I’m not pessimistic. There is a difference.“
United States
“So far we have not seen a practical response by U.S. officials [to the presidential election]. The recent statement by the White House demonstrates that a number of American officials still do not have the right and accurate understanding of the facts on the ground in the country regarding the election… So [U.S.] attitudes are contradictory and so are the messages. There is incongruity in their words and deeds.
“Unfortunately there is a pressure group, a war mongering group, in the United States that stands opposed to holding constructive talks. It pursues the interests of a foreign country… so the interests of a foreign country are served and imposed on representatives in Congress so that even U.S. interests are not being considered.
“To us, what matters, what counts, is a practical response on the part of the U.S. government — not statements or communiques. So the actions of the U.S. government will be watched carefully. Constructive and meaningful responses, if there are any, will definitely pave the
“This dual approach [of sanctions and talks] will not yield results for them [American]… If the United States shows goodwill and intentions ... and without any secret agenda, if they approach this way, then the way will for interaction will be open.”
“Provided that our national interests are met, we have no problems with negotiations with any nation that has good intentions, including the United States.
Sanctions
“These sanctions are unfounded. We cannot even buy wheat for our people, we're facing problems, as other countries are being pressured not to deal with Iran. It doesn't have anything to do with nuclear program. They [sanctions] are about pressuring our people.
“We will never sit idle. We have our own plan, which you can call ‘economy of resistance’ or whatever. We will follow it and spare no effort regarding the removal of sanctions."
Economy
“Economic issues are definitely among the priorities of the government… On the issue of subsidies, we are determined to continue the same amount of cash payments for now. Of course, given the economic situation, some other measures will be taken as well.
“The gap between wages and prices causes pressure. The government must fill this gap, but this is dependent on future studies.
“The ground should be paved for competition. Monopolies should be broken and shattered.
“Transparency is necessary to remove corruption, and also informing the people.”
Foreign Policy
“Our attitude toward the international community will be based on wisdom and each decision will be based on rationality.
“We will prioritize the expansion of relations with neighbors as part of our agenda… Efforts will be made to bring about tranquility and stability in the region.
“The world must realize that we do not want to threaten anyone or meddle in any other country’s affairs.”
Personal Freedoms
“The basis for citizens’ rights will be based on chapter three of the constitution, where people’s rights are laid out. Our constitution is a progressive and dynamic one.
“The atmosphere at universities needs to be more open… There should be freedom of expression and more enthusiasm, intermingled with a strong science-based atmosphere.
“Hopefully the government, with the help of everyone and student activists, will be able to create a better atmosphere at universities for more synergy and dialogue based on knowledge and constructive criticism.”
Syria
“We condemn civil war in Syria. Negotiations should take place between all stakeholders and resolved democratically through elections.”