Trump rejects sanctions relief for talks with Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said that the United States would not remove sanctions against Iran for talks.

"Iran wanted me to lift the sanctions imposed on them in order to meet. I said, of course, NO!" Trump tweeted.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said earlier on the same day that leaders of Germany, Britain and France encouraged Iran to hold talks with the United State, which they said would lift all sanctions, according to the official website of Rouhani.

"But under sanctions and maximum pressure, even if we want to negotiate with the Americans within the framework of P5+1, nobody can predict about the end and upshot of the negotiation," he said.

Rouhani told the press earlier this week during his stay in New York that he was open to discussing "small changes, additions or amendments" to the 2015 nuclear deal if Washington lifted sanctions.

Trump, however, threatened to further tighten "maximum pressure campaign" against Iran in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

"As long as Iran's menacing behavior continues, sanctions will not be lifted. They will be tightened," Trump said.

The two leaders did not meet in New York this week.

Tensions between Iran and the United States grew substantially after the Sept. 14 attack on Saudi oil facilities.

The United States blamed Iran for the attack although the Houthi rebels claimed responsibility. Iran denied any involvement.