Iran’s president retreated Tuesday from a possible meeting with President Trump, saying the U.S. must first lift sanctions against Tehran before holding any meaningful talks about a new nuclear deal.
“Without the U.S.’ withdrawal from sanctions, we will not witness any positive development,” President Hassan Rouhani said in a televised speech, adding that Washington “holds the key” as to what happens next.
“If someone intends to make it as just a photo-op with Rouhani, that is not possible,” he said.
Mr. Rouhani’s flip-flop came a day after Mr. Trump said there’s a “really good chance” the two could meet within the next few weeks to discuss a new nuclear agreement. French President Emmanuel Macron tried to bring both sides together during the G-7 summit last weekend.
On Monday, Mr. Rouhani sounded more open to a meeting with Mr. Trump, saying “we should not miss opportunities” to resolve the impasse between the two nations.
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05.16.2025