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No Rouhani Meeting Scheduled ’At This Moment,’ But Not Ruled Out, Trump Says

No Rouhani Meeting Scheduled ’At This Moment,’ But Not Ruled Out, Trump Says
folder_openAmericas... access_time4 years ago
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By Staff, Agencies

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he could not rule out a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani while at the United Nations this week, but he had not scheduled anything.

"I never rule anything out," Trump told reporters, but added that he had "nothing scheduled at this moment."

Meanwhile, speculation continues to run over a historic meeting between the US and Iranian leaders, who are both in New York for the UN General Assembly.

The chances of this happening have seemingly diminished in the wake of a dramatic attack on Saudi oil facilities blamed by the United States on Iran, which denies being involved.

French President Emmanuel Macron is seeking to bring the two together but Trump responded to his efforts on Monday, saying "we don't need a mediator."

The Iranians "know whom to call," he said.

Rouhani, who landed in New York Monday for the UN event, has been subject to the same strict travel restrictions imposed on staff at the Iranian mission to the United Nations in July.

Under the restrictions, Rouhani cannot venture far from the UN headquarters, which sit on the East River on the eastern side of Manhattan Island.

The US government has granted him special authorization to stay at a hotel, however.

Rouhani is due to address the General Assembly and hold a press conference on Wednesday.

The Iranian President is limited to an area bound by First Avenue, where the UN headquarters are, and East 42nd street to the south and East 48th street to the north.

The United States had dragged its heels on granting visas to members of the Iranian delegation, prompting criticism from several countries and forcing the UN to intervene.

As the host government, the US is generally obliged to issue visas to diplomats who serve at UN headquarters.

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