Iran's President Hassan Rouhani came out strongly in favour of talks Monday as his top diplomat came under
fire from hardline media for a surprise visit to a
G7 summit.
"I believe that for our country's national interests we must use any tool," Rouhani said in a speech aired live on state television.
"The main thing is our country's national interests," he said to a round of applause from those gathered at an event marking government achievements in rural areas.