AFP, UNITED NATIONSIranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday closed the door on meeting US President Donald Trump, despite last-minute European efforts to ease tensions as the US again ramped up punishing sanctions. However, Rouhani, addressing the UN General Assembly, said that he would refuse talks so long as the US maintains its economic pressure. “I would like to announce that our response to any negotiation under sanctions is negative,” Rouhani said. “How can someone believe them when the silent killing of a great nation, and pressure on the lives of 83 million Iranians, especially women and children, are welcomed by American government officials?” Rouhani said. Trump had already ruled out easing economic pressure and, hours before Rouhani’s speech, his administration said that it was stepping up sanctions.

Source: Taipei Times September 26, 2019 16:06 UTC