US Willing To Engage Iran’s New Administration
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The United States said on Sunday it is prepared to work with the new government of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, adding that the new administration now had a chance to allay global fears over its controversial nuclear programme.
In a statement congratulating Rouhani on his inauguration, the White House said it would be a “willing partner” if Tehran decides to engage substantively and seriously” in honouring its international obligations and works toward a peaceful solution to the nuclear issue.
The United States said on Sunday it is prepared to work with the new government of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, adding that the new administration now had a chance to allay global fears over its controversial nuclear programme.
In a statement congratulating Rouhani on his inauguration, the White House said it would be a “willing partner” if Tehran decides to engage substantively and seriously” in honouring its international obligations and works toward a peaceful solution to the nuclear issue.
“We hope the new Iranian government will heed the will of the voters by making choices that will lead to a better life for the Iranian people,” White House spokesman Jay Carney said in a statement.
The West is hoping for a fresh start under Rouhani after years of unsuccessful nuclear negotiations with his belligerent predecessor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Western powers suspect Iran’s nuclear programme is aimed at developing nuclear weapons, but Iran has consistently said its programme is aimed only at providing power and has no military objective.
U.S.-Iran relations soured under Ahmadinejad, who regularly made inflammatory speeches denouncing the United States and Israel. In a parting shot against Israel, Ahmadinejad said it “has no place in this region” and warned that a regional storm was brewing that would “uproot” the Jewish state.
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Last Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives approved new sanctions aimed at preventing Iran from gaining nuclear weapons capability. The measures included additional financial limits on Iran’s crippled oil export industry, as well as the automobile and mining sectors.
Taking the oath of office in Tehran, Rouhani used his inauguration speech to promise a government of moderation for all Iranians, but also called for international sanctions to be lifted.
“The only path to interact with Iran is through negotiations on equal grounds, reciprocal trust-building, mutual respect and reducing hostilities,” Rouhani said after being sworn in before parliament.
“If you want a proper answer, do not speak with Iran with the language of sanctions but with the language of respect,” he said, adding Iran would “not surrender to sanctions, nor be threatened with war.”
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