“What is important for us is the US administration’s practical response and not statements,” Rohani said on Tuesday in his first press conference since he took office on August 4.
He added that the Iranian nation’s vote in the June 14 presidential election was a “very serious and meaningful” measure, stressing that the US officials have not given an appropriate and practical response deserving the Iranian people’s choice.
In response to the White House statement about the US readiness to work with Iran on the nuclear energy program in case of Tehran’s serious engagement, the Iranian president stated that Washington is pursuing “contradictory” approaches.
“The recent statement by the White House makes it clear that certain US officials do not have an accurate and complete understanding of our country’s facts, recent election and the Iranian nation’s message,” Rohani stated.
He urged the US to hear the Iranian nation’s message, saying “If we see that the US is serious in resolving the problems, we will also be serious.”
The Iranian Chief Executive expressed regret that the “warmongering group” in the US opposes constructive talks and is serving the interests of a certain country.
Shortly after Rohani’s swearing-in ceremony on Sunday, the US said it is prepared to work with Iran’s new administration on the nuclear issue.
“The inauguration of President Rohani presents an opportunity for Iran to act quickly to resolve the international community's deep concerns over Iran's nuclear program," said White House spokesman, Jay Carney.
"Should this new government choose to engage substantively and seriously to ... find a peaceful solution to this issue, it will find a willing partner in the United States," Carney added.
Rohani stated that his administration will firmly safeguard the Iranian nation’s rights through constructive interaction in future negotiations.
“If there are practical and constructive measures, the Iranian administration will definitely give responses similarly and accordingly,” the president pointed out.
Rohani also voiced the Islamic Republic’s readiness to hold talks with any country within the framework of Iran’s national interests.
He recommended White House officials to make decisions in accordance with the realities.
The US has imposed several rounds of illegal sanctions on Iran, which Washington claims to be aimed at pressuring Tehran to abandon its nuclear energy program.
The US, Israel and some of their allies falsely claim that Iran is pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program, with Washington and the European Union using the unfounded allegation as a pretext to impose illegal sanctions on Iran.
In its latest measure against Iran, the US House of Representatives last Wednesday approved a bill to impose tougher sanctions on Tehran’s oil exports and financial sector.
The bill, which must be approved by the Senate and signed by President Barack Obama to become law, seeks to cut Iran's oil exports by one million barrels per day over a year.
Tehran has categorically rejected West's accusations, arguing that as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and a committed member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, it is entitled to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
