Reuters / Kevin Lamarque
Donald Trump has hinted that he may be willing to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in the future, saying that he’s certain Rouhani is an “absolutely lovely man!” Rouhani said Monday he would not meet with the U.S. president this week when the two world leaders are both in New York for the United Nations General Assembly session. He told NBC News: “Naturally, if someone is keen on having a meeting and holding dialogue and creating progress in relationships, that person would not use the tool of sanctions and threats [and bring] to bear all of its power against another government and nation.” Trump claimed requests had been made for him to meet Rouhani, but he tweeted early Tuesday: “Despite requests, I have no plans to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Maybe someday in the future. I am sure he is an absolutely lovely man!”