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Rouhani says he doesn’t want photo-op with Trump — but maybe he should

French President Emmanuel Macron, the man in the middle, is appealing to both sides for compromise.
French President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump during a joint press conference at the end of the G7 summit in Biarritz, France, August 26, 2019.  REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer - RC128C49AAC0

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s announcement that he had no interest in a “picture” with US President Donald Trump unless the United States lifts “all unjust sanctions” seemed to slam the door on the prospect of a meeting less than 24 hours after French President Emmanuel Macron teased just such a possibility with Trump by his side.

Even though “all” sanctions are unlikely to be lifted soon and Iran’s hawks are doing their best to shut down a meeting, there is still a pulse to this latest round of nuclear diplomacy — assuming there is progress toward resolving Iran’s credit crisis in the coming weeks.

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