Tehran Ready To 'Build Trust' With Washington

New Iranian President Hassan Rohani (left) and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says Tehran is ready to "build trust" with the United States on the issue of Iran's disputed nuclear program.

Zarif's statement, given to the Lebanese news channel Al-Mayadeen on September 16, comes one day after U.S. President Barack Obama confirmed on ABC's "This Week" program that he and Iranian President Hassan Rohani have exchanged letters.

Obama's statement sparked international reports on a possible Obama-Rohani meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Obama and Rohani will both speak on September 24.

Such a meeting would be the first face-to-face encounter between a U.S. and Iranian leader since 1977.

Zarif confirmed media reports that he and British Foreign Secretary William Hague have agreed to meet at UN headquarters.

Based on reporting by Al-Mayadeen, "The Guardian," and upi.com