“This slogan that is chanted is not a slogan against the American people. Our people respect the American people. The Iranian people are not looking for war with any country.” Rouhani said in a Friday interview with the CBS "60 Minutes" due to be broadcast on Sunday.
"But, at the same time, the policies of the United States have been against the national interests of Iranian people — it's understandable that people will demonstrate sensitivity to this issue,” the Iranian president added.
"When the people rose up against the Shah, the United States aggressively supported the Shah until the last moments. In the eight-year war with Iraq, the Americans supported Saddam (Hussein)," he further said.
"People will not forget these things. We cannot forget the past, but at the same time our gaze must be towards the future,” Rouhani added.