Trump: Despite 'requests,' no plans to meet 'absolutely lovely' Iranian president

Source: The Hill



BY EMILY BIRNBAUM - 09/25/18 07:14 AM EDT

President Trump said in an early morning tweet on Tuesday said that he had no plans to meet Hassan Rouhani at the United Nations General Assembly this week, despite unspecified "requests," adding that he is sure the Iranian president is an "absolutely lovely man."

Link to tweet

Rouhani said Monday that he will not meet with Trump during his visit to New York City for the U.N. gathering, citing sanctions the U.S. has placed on Iran.

"Naturally, if someone is keen on having a meeting and holding dialogue and creating progress in relationships, that person would not use the tool of sanctions and threats [and bring] to bear all of its power against another government and nation," Rouhani said in a Monday interview with NBC News.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a Sunday interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" that Trump was willing to meet with Rouhani.

Read more: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/408219-trump-despite-requests-no-plans-to-meet-absolutely-lovely-iranian