Hassan Rouhani

“Iran has never, is not, and will never seek nuclear weapons.”

“Assuming that Iran could become the only oil producer unable to export its oil is a wrong assumption... The United States will never be able to cut Iran's oil revenues.”

“Iranians embraced my approach to domestic and international affairs because they saw it as long overdue.”

“We cannot be indifferent to people's life and business.”

“I've said before that I am not a historian and that when it comes to speaking of the dimensions of the Holocaust, it is the historians that should reflect on it.”

“The Americans have claimed they want to completely stop Iran's oil exports. They don't understand the meaning of this statement, because it has no meaning for Iranian oil not to be exported, while the region's oil is exported.”

“We are always in favour of diplomacy and talks... but talks need honesty. Trump's call for direct talks is only for domestic consumption in America ahead of elections... and to create chaos in Iran.”

“In a climate where much of foreign policy is a direct function of domestic politics, focusing on what one doesn't want is an easy way out of difficult conundrums for many world leaders. Expressing what one does want requires more courage.”

“The Islamic Republic has never sought tension in the region and does not want any trouble in global waterways, but it will not easily give up on its rights to export oil.”

“America will regret imposing sanctions on Iran... they're already isolated in the world.”

“Problems of 35 years cannot be resolved in a short period of time.”

“Anyone who understands the rudiments of politics doesn't say, 'We will stop Iran's oil exports'... we have been the guarantor of the regional waterway's security throughout history.”

“We will not negotiate with anyone about our weapons and defenses, and we will make and store as many weapons, facilities, and missiles as we need.”

“The U.S. efforts to impose its policies on others are expanding as a threat to all.”

“I believe the land of Palestine will be returned to owners of the land with the help of God.”

“No country by itself and in an isolated manner would ever be able to effectively address the challenges it faces.”

“A constructive approach to diplomacy doesn't mean relinquishing one's rights. It means engaging with one's counterparts, on the basis of equal footing and mutual respect, to address shared concerns and achieve shared objectives.”

“No one is innocent, and people are allowed to criticize everyone.”

“When it comes to nuclear technology, the Iranian people are very sensitive. It is a part of our national pride, and nuclear technology has become indigenous.”