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Iran’s New President Side Steps Questions About Talks With US

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani treads carefully in answers to questions about US-Iran relations in his first press conference.
Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rohani speaks with a Reuters correspondent during a private interview in Tehran February 6, 2005. REUTERS/Raheb Homavandi  RH/CJF/AA - RTRMHK5

TEHRAN, Iran — If Hassan Rouhani is going to endorse direct talks with the United States, he gave no hint of it on Aug. 6 in his first press conference as Iranian president.

Pressed by foreign and local reporters to clarify his position on negotiations with the United States and on the nuclear issue, Rouhani resorted to generalities — saying he supported dialogue and a “win-win” resolution — plus veiled accusations against Israel for allegedly imposing its views on the United States.

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