Iran says US wants to overthrow gov’t, rejects talks

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused the United States on Tuesday of trying to overthrow his government, rejecting bilateral talks after US President Donald Trump denounced Iran’s leaders and predicted stepped-up US sanctions would get Tehran to negotiate over its nuclear program.

Addressing world leaders at the UN General Assembly, Rouhani accused the Trump administration of violating the rules of international law and “state obligations” from the Obama administration by withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal that Iran signed with the US and five other major powers.

“On what basis and criteria can we enter into an agreement with an administration misbehaving such as this?” Rouhani asked. “It is ironic that the US government does not even conceal its plan for overthrowing the same government it invites to talks.”

Rouhani invited the US to come back to negotiations within the UN Security Council, which endorsed the nuclear deal. There, he said, both sides can listen to each other.

“Beginning the dialogue starts with ending threats and unjust sanctions that negate the principles of ethics and international law,” he said. “What Iran says is clear: no war, no sanctions, no threats, no bullying. Just acting according to the law and the fulfillment of obligations.”

In remarks released while Rouhani was still talking, US National Security Adviser John Bolton doubled down on the decision to withdraw from the deal, calling it “the worst diplomatic debacle in American history.” He echoed Trump’s strong language and used blunt words to dismiss any entreaties from Tehran.

“According to the mullahs in Tehran, we are ‘the Great Satan,’ lord of the underworld, master of the raging inferno,” Bolton said in remarks prepared for delivery at a New York meeting convened to oppose Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

“So, I might imagine they would take me seriously when I assure them today: if you cross us, our allies, or our partners; if you harm our citizens; if you continue to lie, cheat, and deceive, yes, there will indeed be HELL to PAY,” Bolton said.

The capitalizations were included in the text of the quotes released to journalists.

In his General Assembly speech, Rouhani targeted Trump in language if not directly in name.

“The United States’ understanding of international relations is authoritarian,” he said. “In its estimation, might makes right.”