Islam Times - Iran says fresh US sanctions have deepened mistrust

Islam Times - Iran's President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday said fresh US sanctions imposed on organizations linked to Tehran's nuclear program have "further deepened" mistrust that exists between the long-time foes.

"This is not compatible with the atmosphere of the negotiations," Rouhani told reporters in Tehran. "It goes against confidence building measures. Mistrust has further deepened."

The US Treasury on Friday announced dozens of measures targeting Iranian individuals and entities, including shipping and oil companies, banks and airlines.

"Some sanctions like those against drugs or food products are crimes against humanity. We fight and go round these sanctions and we are proud of that," Rouhani said.

However, he pledged that discussions with the P5+1 powers (Britain, China, France, Russia, the US, and Germany) would continue.

"We hope to achieve a result within the time limit if the other party acts with goodwill," he said, noting that three or four difficult questions remain.

The biggest disagreement in the talks is believed to concern the amount of uranium enrichment that Iran would be allowed to carry out under a comprehensive agreement with the West.

Tehran denies the West's allegations that it aims to develop nuclear weapons.

Rouhani said he had no plans to meet US President Barack Obama at the upcoming opening of the UN General Assembly in New York, where nuclear talks between Iran and the P5+1 will take place on the sidelines.