Iran’s Rouhani: Today’s Situation Isn’t Suitable for Talks, Resistance Is Our Only Choice- IRNA

FILE PHOTO: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani waves as he stands next to a portrait of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. REUTERS

CAIRO, May 21 (Reuters) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said he favours talks and diplomacy but not under current conditions, state news agency IRNA said late on Monday.

“Today’s situation is not suitable for talks and our choice is resistance only” IRNA quoted Rouhani as saying.

U.S. President Donald Trump said earlier on Monday that Iran would be met with “great force” if it attempted anything against U.S. interests in the Middle East, adding that Tehran has been very hostile toward Washington.

Trump told reporters as he departed the White House for an event in Pennsylvania that he was willing to have talks with Iran “when they’re ready.”


(Reporting by Ali Abdelaty; Editing by Sandra Maler)