Rouhani says regional stability impossible without Iran

Iranian President also dismissed a summit Trump attended at the weekend in Saudi Arabia


Reuters May 22, 2017
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani gestures during a ceremony celebrating International Workers' Day, in Tehran, Iran, May 1, 2017. Picture taken May 1, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS

DUBAI: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday stability could not be achieved in the Middle East without Tehran's help, responding to criticism of the Islamic Republic from U.S. President Donald Trump who is visiting the region.

Trump says Iran must never be allowed to have nuclear weapons

Rouhani, a pragmatist who won a new fresh mandate in a May 19 presidential election, also dismissed a summit Trump attended at the weekend in Saudi Arabia as a "ceremonial (event) that had no political value and will bear no results".

"Who can say regional stability can be restored without Iran? Who can say the region will experience total stability without Iran?" Rouhani said.

Iran accuses US of 'Iranophobia', arming 'dangerous terrorists'

Rouhani also said last week's election showed Iranians wanted more democracy and interaction with the world, adding this would lead to much-needed economic progress.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ