In response to the suggestion of meeting with President Trump, President Hassan Rouhani said: “We are not after the photo op. If someone is after a photo op with Hassan Rouhani, that is not possible until they lift their cruel sanctions.”

Rouhani added: “Any change in our behavior starts with their contrition.”

According to the state-owned ISNA, Rouhani said on Tuesday: “Without the United States lifting its sanctions and underlining its mistake, there will be no positive change in our behavior.”

“They must recognize our revolution and regime and the rights of our people with respect and high regard and reverse their mistakes,” added Rouhani.

His response on Tuesday is in contrast to his comments on Monday when he criticized the domestic critics of negotiation, saying: “If I know that by attending a meeting and sitting down with someone our country thrives and our people’s problems are resolved, I will not refuse to do so.”

After those comments, President Macron announced in his joint press conference with President Trump after G7 summit that preparations are being made for negotiation between Iran and America and hoped that in upcoming weeks Presidents Trump and Rouhani would meet.”

Trump also announced that he is willing to “meet with Rouhani under the right circumstances.”

Rouhani, however, said on Tuesday: “We are now in constant negotiation with the five powers (Russia, China, Britain, France, and Germany) and our path is clear; if the Americans return to their initial position and comply with their commitments, we will fully comply as well, but if they don’t, we will continue on this path.”

Talks and rumors about a possible meeting and negotiation between the Islamic Republic and the United States increased this week with Foreign Minister Zarif’s unexpected trip to France during the G7 summit.