TEHRAN - Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Saturday ruled out plans for a meeting with American officials on the sidelines of next month’s session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

“No meeting will take place,” Zarif told reporters when asked about possible meeting with his American counterpart Mike Pompeo at the UN.

Dismissing speculation about talks between Iranian and American officials, Zarif said President Hassan Rouhani has expressed Iran’s formal stance on U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent offer for talks with Tehran.

Zarif said the Trump administration’s “addiction” to sanctions has closed all pathways for possible talks. 

“The Americans are not honest. Moreover, they are entangled in their addiction; the addiction of (imposing) sanctions will not allow any dialogue to take place,” Zarif remarked.

The chief diplomat also rejected reports that Oman is mediating between Tehran and Washington, saying the Islamic Republic has routine diplomatic contacts with its neighbors and friends without any third party being involved.

A few days earlier, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said he had no precondition for talks with the U.S., except that Washington compensates the past damage that it has done to Iran.

“America owes Iran both apologies and reparations for the meddling and damages he has been doing to Iran since 1953,” Rouhani told the state TV on Monday evening, adding “America can sit down for talks about the damage… and for example say in how many installations it is going to repay… because it is in debt to the Iranian nation.”

The president underlined his appreciation of genuine talks, pointing out that his administration took office with the promise to welcome negotiations and diplomacy.

SP/PA