Iran wants no war, no sanctions, no threats, no bullying, says Rouhani in speech

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday criticized Washington for its hostile policy toward the country and said the U.S. approach was doomed to failure.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday criticized Washington for its hostile policy toward the country and said the U.S. approach was doomed to failure.

"Our proposal is clear: commitment for commitment; violation for violation; a threat for threat; and a step for step, instead of talk for talk ... What Iran says is clear: no war, no sanctions, no threats, no bullying; just acting according to the law and the fulfillment of obligations," Rouhani said in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly.

He said no nation can be brought to the negotiating table by force, adding there was no better way than dialogue.

Rouhani also said Iran believed in setting up a collective mechanism for the Persian Gulf with the presence and participation of all regional countries.