Iranian leader: No talks with U.S. until sanctions removed

Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday the Middle Eastern nation will not negotiate on any terms with the United States until first economic sanctions are removed.

The ultimatum came amid ongoing disputes between the two nations that have resulted from attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and military maneuvers by Washington and Tehran.

Rouhani said the United States is exerting maximum pressure to spur a revolt that will overthrow the Iranian regime. Citing the constitution of the Islamic Republic, he made clear there will be no negotiations until the sanctions -- which Iranian officials have said amount to human rights violations -- are gone.

"We can't talk to a criminal," Rouhani said.

Rouhani justified shooting down a U.S. military drone, saying it demonstrated "Iranian might."

The Iranian president also cautioned the Trump administration against wading into war.

"Peace with Iran is the mother of all peace, war with Iran is the mother of all wars," Rouhani said. "You cannot harm our security and expect security for yourself in return."

U.S. sanctions have escalated over the last year since the U.S. administration withdrew from the Obama-era Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Last month, Washington sanctioned Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif for delivering Tehran's message to the world.

"Sanctioning a foreign minister means failure in talks," Rouhani added.

Tuesday, Iran unveiled new smart guided missiles and a precision-guided bomb -- weaponry that can be launched from manned aircraft and drones. The Balaban smart bomb has folding wings for increased range and GPS navigation.