Iran will break US sanctions by selling oil: Pres. Rouhani

TEHRAN– Iranian President Rouhani said Mon. that the country would “proudly break” the US sanctions this time, stressing that Tehran “can and will sell its oil” despite US’ vow to cut Iran’s oil sales to zero.

Speaking in a meeting with the deputies and managers of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance on Monday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said while in New York for the UN General Assembly session, leaders of four major countries approached him to offer to mediate on his meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Rouhani said the case needs no mediation, adding that Iran would be ready to talk with the US only when the Western country begins to comply with its commitments.

“We have no issue with talking, if the other side can respect and live up to its promises and commitments,” Rouhani stressed, Mehr News reported.

Fortunately today, the US is more isolated than ever following its withdrawal from the JCPOA, said Rouhani, adding “almost all countries in the world except for a few are standing with us against the United States, and that is the victory of our diplomacy.”

Rouhani then noted another victory for Iran, in which the US was forced to agree to let eight countries, including Japan, India and South Korea, keep buying Iranian oil after the re-imposition of sanctions on Nov. 5, even though Trump had previously vowed to cut Iran’s oil sales to zero.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran can and will sell its oil,” said Rouhani, adding “even if these eight countries had not received exemptions, we would still sell our oil.”

Rouhani then maintained that the country’s exports have increased in the past seven months compared to the same period last year, saying the growth occurred despite the US’ attempt to hamper Iran’s economic activities.

“I have told world leaders that we will proudly break the US sanctions this time,” Rouhani stressed, adding “under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, all countries in the world are obliged to take a stance against the US.”

The US wishes to weaken Iran and cause the Iranian nation to lose hope, but it will not succeed in doing either, said Rouhani, stressing that Iran will continue to grow and flourish through unity.

M.Wassouf