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Rouhani dismisses European statement on Iran role in Saudi attacks

The Iranian president is in New York with a "peace initiative" meant to resolve regional tensions at a time when pressure is building on Tehran over its alleged involvement in attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
French President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani during their meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, U.S., September 23, 2019. REUTERS/John Irish - RC1C497E08B0

A 90-minute meeting between President Hassan Rouhani of Iran and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, in New York covered a wide range of topics from bilateral ties to political solutions over the 2015 Iran nuclear deal formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

The discussions held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, however, appeared to have been overshadowed by one thorny issue: Iran's alleged involvement in the Sept. 14 strikes on Saudi oil facilities claimed by Tehran-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels. Just ahead of the meeting, a joint statement from Britain, France and Germany pointed the finger of blame toward the Islamic Republic. "It is clear for us that Iran bears responsibility for this attack. There is no other plausible explanation," the statement read.

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