Rouhani: Iran ready for nuclear talks

Iran's new president used his debut speech at the United Nations general assembly to condemn international sanctions against his country.

Hassan Rouhani's speech lacked the strident anti-Western rhetoric of his predecessor.

He offered no concessions but said Iran was willing to talk again about its nuclear programme.

(SOUNDBITE)(Farsi) IRANIAN PRESIDENT HASSAN ROUHANI SAYING:

"In this context the Islamic Republic of Iran, insisting on the implementation of its rights and the imperative of international respect and co-operation in this exercise, is prepared to engage immediately in time-bound and result-orientated talks to build mutual confidence and removal of mutual uncertainties with full transparency."

Israel's strategic affairs minister was unimpressed, describing Rouhani's speech as a game of deception.

(SOUNDBITE)(English) YUVAL STEINITZ, ISRAELI STRATEGIC AFFAIRS MINISTER, SAYING:

"We heard a lot of rhetoric but zero new steps or even ze