Further dialogue with US only after sanctions are lifted – IRAN
The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran – Hassan Rouhani has said that he won’t hold any peace talks with the President of United States (U.S.) – Donald Trump unless the latter lifts the sanctions imposed of Iran.
In a televised speech, Rouhani said, “But first the U.S. should act by lifting all illegal, unjust and unfair sanctions imposed on Iran. Washington has the key for positive change. So, take the first step. Without this step, this lock will not be unlocked.”
Talking about ensuring peace in the region, he said, “Iran does not seek tension with the world. We want security in the Middle East. We want better and friendly ties with other countries.”
His comments came after Trump said that he is ready to meet his counterpart under the right circumstances, to ensure peace and stability in the region. Trump’s remarks came on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, which concluded today, i.e., Tuesday, August 27, 2019.
Speaking about Iran during the G7 Summit, Trump said, “Iran is not the same country it was two and a half years ago when I came into office. I really believe that Iran can be a great nation. But they can’t have nuclear weapons.” He also said, “If I am sure that attending a session or having a meeting with someone will help develop my country and resolve the people’s problems, I will not hesitate to do so.”
It is to be noted that Rouhani and Trump are may come face to face as they both will attend the United Nations (U.N.’s) General Assembly in New York in mid-September 2019.
The move to diffuse the rising tensions between U.S. and Iran was initiated by the President of France – Emmanuel Macron. He also hinted at a possible U.S. – Iran Summit, initiated by France for restoring bilateral ties between Iran and the U.S. Without sharing much details, he also said this can happen when U.S. partially withdraws the sanctions and Iran commits to adhere to the terms of the JCPOA deal, which got abandoned after U.S. decide to move out of the deal.
Talking about U.S. and Iran, Macron tweeted, “President Trump and I agree that Iran should never have nuclear weapons. Nothing is certain, but the conditions are such that a meeting between President @HassanRouhani and President @realDonaldTrump could take place – and so that an agreement could be reached. #G7Biarritz”
President Trump and I agree that Iran should never have nuclear weapons. Nothing is certain, but the conditions are such that a meeting between President @HassanRouhani and President @realDonaldTrump could take place – and so that an agreement could be reached. #G7Biarritz
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 26, 2019
For the records, The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran – Javad Zarif made a surprise visit to the seaside town of Biarritz in France on Sunday, i.e., August 25, 2019, for a meeting with the President of France – Emmanuel Macron. He held a half an hour meeting with Macron and a 3 ½ hours meeting with the Foreign Minister of France – Jean-Yves Le Drian.
Macron confirmed the fact the he had invited Zarif after speaking to Trump and other leaders of G7 during their gala dinner on Saturday, August 24, 2019.
