Iran is ready for talks if U.S. apologises over nuclear pact, says Rouhani

"But we know these calls for talks with Tehran are just words and lies," he added.

Iran would be open to talks with the United States if Washington apologizes for exiting a 2015 nuclear deal and compensates Tehran, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday. U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of the pact between Iran and six world powers in 2018 and reimposed sanctions - saying the agreement did not do enough to contain Tehran's missile program and regional influence.

"We have no problem with talks with the U.S., but only if Washington fulfills its obligations under the nuclear deal, apologies and compensates Tehran for its withdrawal from the 2015 deal," Rouhani said in a televised speech. "But we know these calls for talks with Tehran are just words and lies," he added.