Iran Press/Iran news: Speaking at a special inauguration ceremony for 110000 residential units, part of a national housing construction project, President Rouhani emphasised that in recent months, the Iranian armed forces, and in particular the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), and IRGC Naval forces have taken timely action we can all be proud of.
The President added: "IRGC naval forces and IRGC air defences took appropriate and timely action against aggressive and bullying behaviour by US and British naval forces in the Persian Gulf. We sincerely thank the members of our armed forces and IRGC personnel for their timely action.
Turning to the nuclear issue, President Rouhani said: "The key to positive changes is in the hands of Washington. If they want to enjoy more security in our region, and if, as they claim, they want to have better relations with the Islamic Republic, and if, as they claim they say we don't want anything from Iran but we don't want Iran building nuclear bombs. Of course we are not building atomic bombs. Our military doctrine is based purely on conventional weapons. We are not seeking, we have not been seeking weapons of mass destruction, neither chemical weapons nor biological weapons nor nuclear weapons. Not because of what the West says, but because of our own religious beliefs, because of our own decisions regarding national security, and because of the edict (or Fatwa) issued by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution."
Commenting further President Rouhani said: "If you are telling the truth, and if your only concern is this, then your concern is pointless, [because we are not after nuclear weapons], so take the first step. Without this first step this deadlock will never be resolved, this lock will never be unlocked. Lift all the sanctions against Iran. All the unfair and illegal sanctions imposed on Iran must be lifted. If you lift the sanctions, and if you respect the rights of the Iranian people, then the situation will definitely change."
Rouhani added: "We have always favoured talks and negotiations. We took part in talks and negotiations which lasted many years, until we reached an agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)."
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