Iran’s Rouhani rules out Trump meeting until US lifts sanctions

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has urged the United States to take the first step towards dialogue by lifting sanctions against Iran.

“Without this step, this lock will not be unlocked,” Mr Rouhani said.

He spoke a day after President Donald Trump said he was open to a meeting if the circumstances were right.

Tensions between the US and Iran have escalated since Mr Trump abandoned a deal limiting Iran’s nuclear activities last year and reinstated sanctions.

He wants a new agreement that would place indefinite curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme and also halt its development of ballistic missiles. Iran has refused.