During a Cabinet meeting today, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani discussed the ongoing tension with the United States over reentry into the nuclear deal and the economic sanctions on Tehran. 

Rouhani said the United States is “100% at fault for the sanctions, no one can doubt this.” He said the “inhumane sanctions” started under President Donald Trump and said he had recently heard there has been an issue on importing chicken because of sanctions.

Trump exited the nuclear deal in 2018 and reapplied maximum pressure sanctions. In response, Iran took steps away from the nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action but remained technically in the deal. President Joe Biden has expressed interest in returning to the deal but demanded that Iran return to full compliance first. 

On the Biden administration attempting to portray Iran as the guilty party, Rouhani said, “If we are not careful, they will over time with propaganda say that America is ready to negotiate but it is Iran that is delaying. We cannot allow them to put this excuse into public opinion.” This comment is also likely a reference to domestic actors in Iran, who have rejected US offers for an initial “less for less” deal in which Iran halts 20% enrichment and advanced centrifuges in exchange for some sanction relief. Iran has previously stated they want the US to verifiably remove sanctions and they will return to full compliance and have rejected new negotiations.