Rouhani says regional stability impossible without Iran
Iranian President also dismissed a summit Trump attended at the weekend in Saudi Arabia
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.
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.