Iran's Rouhani expresses optimism about 'tough' nuclear talks

TEHRAN, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Iran is committed to the "tough path" ahead as nuclear negotiations enter a seven month extension phase.

Rouhani's comments were made during a visit to a wounded Iranian veteran Wednesday.

"Although we have a tough path to pave in the negotiations, because the enemies of the nation cannot be trusted and the westerners have been urged to come to the negotiation table today, but in this tough and highly windy road relying on doubly intensified efforts we will achieve our goals," the president told Ali Owsat Vakili.

On Monday, U.S. Department of State spokesperson Jen Psaki refuted an Associated Press article claiming Iran sought illicit materials for its Arak nuclear reactor, telling reporters "We continue to believe that Iran has abided by all of their obligations under the JPOA [Joint Plan of Action]."

After the Nov. 24 deadline to reach a comprehensive nuclear agreement with Iran expired, international negotiators vowed to continue the talks for an additional seven months. The talks, Secretary of State John Kerry acknowledged at the time, "are not going to get easier just because we extend them ... they're going to stay tough."