Iran's president said the United States must lift its pressure, threats and sanctions before the two countries can hold negotiations. The statement places a firm condition on any resumption of diplomatic talks. Tehran is seeking changes in Washington's policies rather than entering negotiations under the existing restrictions. The president's remarks did not identify a specific package of sanctions to be removed. Nor did the report give a date for negotiations or describe the form any talks might take. The position keeps negotiations tied to broader economic and political disputes between Iran and the United States. No response from the American government was included in the brief report.