Tehran insists it is not after N-bomb as fresh US sanctions raise anxiety

Iran’s president on Wednesday pledged again that his nation is “not after a nuclear bomb” ahead of talks between Tehran and the United States, going as far as dangling the prospect of direct American investment in the Islamic Republic if the countries can reach a deal.

The comments by reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian represent a departure from Iran’s stance after its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, in which Tehran sought to buy American airplanes but in effect barred US companies from coming into the country.

“American investors: Come and invest,” he said.

Such a business proposal could draw the interest of US President Donald Trump, who withdrew America from Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers in his first term and now seeks a new agreement with the country.

Meanwhile, US issued fresh sanctions on Iran on Wednesday, the Treasury Department said, two days after President Donald Trump announced the US planned direct talks with Tehran.

The US designated the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran and its subordinate, Iran Centrifuge Technology Company, besides three other entities.

Iranians have responded to the prospect of talks this weekend with expressions of hope that have boosted their stock market and depressed currency.