Rouhani says U.S.-Iran ties could be restored but U.S. must apologize
- 8 years ago
The nuclear deal between world powers and Iran could lead to better relations between Tehran and Washington and the eventual re-opening of embassies in both capitals, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was quoted as saying on Thursday.
However, he said he expected the United States to apologize to Iranians before diplomatic relations could be restored.
Iran and Washington severed ties in 1979 when 52 Americans were kidnapped and held in the U.S. embassy in Tehran for over a year.
Relations came under further pressure in the last decade over Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Under the agreement reached in July, Iran is to curb its nuclear program in exchange for an easing of sanctions on its economy.
Tehran denied Western suspicions it wanted to develop an atomic bomb.
However, he said he expected the United States to apologize to Iranians before diplomatic relations could be restored.
Iran and Washington severed ties in 1979 when 52 Americans were kidnapped and held in the U.S. embassy in Tehran for over a year.
Relations came under further pressure in the last decade over Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Under the agreement reached in July, Iran is to curb its nuclear program in exchange for an easing of sanctions on its economy.
Tehran denied Western suspicions it wanted to develop an atomic bomb.