On August 30, President Hassan Rouhani vowed to resist U.S. sanctions in a televised press conference. But he also said Iran would continue nuclear talks with the world’s six major powers. “We hope that we will reach [an] agreement... the tyrannical sanctions must be lifted,” Rouhani told domestic and foreign reporters. Just one day before the press conference, Washington sanctioned more than 25 businesses, banks and individuals for supporting Iran’s nuclear program, terrorism and sanctions evasion. Rouhani warned that the sanctions “are against the spirit” of the interim nuclear deal that was implemented in January 2014.
The president, who took office a little more than a year ago, addressed both domestic and foreign policy challenges, including the threat of Islamist militants in Syria and Iraq. He accused the United States and the West of supporting the Islamic State (IS) while it was fighting the Syrian regime in past years. Rouhani also criticized U.S. motivations for recent air strikes on IS. “Attacking terrorists on the pretext of protecting a country’s own citizens or embassy is not a true reason to fight terrorists,” he said.
The president also said that he did not know whether he would attend the U.N. General Assembly in September. Rouhani said he has “no plans” to meet with President Barack Obama. The following are excerpted remarks, including tweets from Rouhani's quasi-official account.
Hope #nuclear negotiations will be fruitful. If counterparts avoid excessive demands outcome would benefit all parties. #WinWin #RouhaniLive
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 30, 2014
The recent measures taken against #Iran by the US are against the spirit of the Joint Plan of Action and confidence building.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 30, 2014
Our broad sense in the nuclear negotiations is that all 7 countries want to solve the issue.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 30, 2014
There is understanding of that the past approach, which emphasized useless sanctions, was lose-lose. Now, we all seek win-win.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 30, 2014
Our nuclear negotiating team is strong and capable. It negotiates very well, and our counterparts see this and even make note of it.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 30, 2014
I'm very grateful for work of FM @JZarif and his team. Indeed, our Foreign Ministry is among 3 Ministries distinguished for its performance.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 30, 2014
There is nobody in Iran who is opposed to the nuclear negotiations.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 30, 2014
We condemn #terrorism anywhere & everywhere, hoping to move towards a World Against Violence & Extremism. #WAVE #RouhaniLive
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 30, 2014
Re foreign policy, we want to reflect the true image of Iran--as a peaceful nation--and of Islam--as religion of mercy. #RouhaniLive
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 30, 2014
We're ready to engage with Saudi Arabia to find solutions. Differences exist, but this doesn't mean that good ties will be precluded.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 30, 2014
Our relationship with our neighbor #Turkey is exemplary of how two nations can enjoy excellent ties despite some differences of opinion.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 30, 2014
The impeachment of my Minister of Science & Technology will not change the course of this govt. Next Minister will follow same path.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 30, 2014
Iran is diverse w/ many different voices. We accept and even welcome criticism, but do not accept subversion or sabotage.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 30, 2014
If anyone wears a cloak of eloquence but seeks subversion and sabotage, we won't hesitate to remove that cloak before our people.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 30, 2014
We've kept our promise re bringing #inflation under control--reducing it to 24% from 40% when we took office. Target is single digit figure.
— Hassan Rouhani (@HassanRouhani) August 30, 2014