Rouhani added that such measures show that the White House is lying about seeking to hold talks with Tehran.
The president was hinting at the proposal by the US President Donald Trump for dialogue without preconditions, and his constant change of stance in words and actions.
US President Donald Trump announced on Monday new sanctions against the office of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Iran's foreign minister, and senior commanders of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), saying the measures would deny the Leader's office and other Iranian officials’ access to financial instruments, in response to Tehran's downing of an American drone last week that had violated the country's airspace.
Referring to the violation of Iranian territories by the US’ spy drone and IRGC’s crushing response, Rouhani said, “Tehran’s strategic patience does not mean that we are afraid… We do not fear America, and have shown restraint so far.”
Reiterating Iran’s stance against any war and conflict and its readiness to defend its integrity, Rouhani said, “An example of our strategic patience was that when a trespassing drone intruded into our airspace, we destroyed it within a few minutes."
“Our borders are our red lines,” asserted Rouhani, adding, “Today, the Americans have become desperate and confused. This has made them take unusual measures and talk nonsense.”
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