Obama Won't Rule Out Re-Opening US Embassy In Iran

AP/Barack Obama on a historic phone call with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani.

President Barack Obama is open to the idea of opening an embassy in Tehran within the final two years of his term. 

"I never say never, but I think these things have to go in steps," Obama said when asked about the prospect during an NPR interview published Monday.

Obama, who recently moved to normalize relations with Cuba, cautioned Iran's circumstances are far different. However, he nevertheless insisted the US can empathize with the Islamic Republic's demands regarding its nuclear program. 

"I think we do, because if you look at the negotiations as they've proceeded, what we've said to the Iranians is that we are willing to recognize your ability to develop a modest nuclear power program for your energy needs," Obama said, according to NPR's transcript. "But there's a way of doing that that nevertheless gives the world assurances that you don't have breakout capacity."

The US broke diplomatic relations with Iran in 1980 but is now finalizing a deal with the country on its nuclear program. An agreement was supposed to be finalized last month but the two sides could not reach a deal. Negotiations were extended to July.

Obama acknowledged in the interview that Iran has "legitimate defense concerns," especially after its war with Iraq. However, he argued that these concerns have to be "separated out" from the country's "adventurism, ... support of organizations like Hezbollah," and "the threats they've directed towards Israel."

"On the one hand, you need to understand what their legitimate needs and concerns are," he said. "On the other end, you don't need to tolerate or make excuses for positions that they've taken that violate international law. ... They've got a chance to get right with the world. This is not just about us."