Rouhani: We Seek Fair and Just Understanding

Hassan Rouhani, the President of Iran, on Wednesday, referring to the recent statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, said that Iran is "seeking serious negotiations and a fair and just understanding" with global powers regarding its nuclear program. These remarks by Rouhani came a day after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, publicly outlined the final red lines of Iran's negotiating team in nuclear talks. Khamenei stated that the "lifting" of sanctions against Iran "should not be conditional on Iran's commitments and the approval of the International Atomic Energy Agency," and that the Islamic Republic "does not accept long-term limitations of 10 or 12 years" and that "unconventional inspections, inquiries from Iranian personalities, and inspections of military sites" are also prohibited. Following these statements, the President of Iran said, "As the Supreme Leader stated last night, our discussion is about negotiation. We do not want to merely declare a position, but we are seeking serious negotiations and a fair and just understanding." Rouhani stated that "we do not accept delays or haste in negotiations that harm the country's interests" and added, "We must proceed with patience, tolerance, and composure, with the help of everyone and under the support and guidance of the Supreme Leader..." This comes as John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, in response to the Supreme Leader's remarks, said that these statements are for "domestic use" and that the United States "will not be influenced" by them. Kerry emphasized that Iran must adhere to the "commitments" of the Lausanne understanding, otherwise "no agreement will be reached." The Rajanews website, close to the Stability Front, also reported, citing the fact sheets published by Iran and the U.S. from the Lausanne agreement and statements from Iranian and American officials, that the limitations mentioned by Khamenei were accepted by the Islamic Republic's nuclear negotiating team.