Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi | 60 Minutes Archive

US Sanctions on Iran and Nuclear Deal History00:02

United States first placed financial sanctions on Iran in 1979 during the hostage crisis. For nearly four decades, the US State Department has designated Iran one of the world's leading state sponsors of terrorism. The Obama administration along with five other countries agreed to billions of dollars in sanctions relief in exchange for Iran's agreement to dismantle much of its nuclear program and open its facilities to extensive international inspection. The Trump administration pulled out of the deal and stepped up economic pressure. Ebrahim Raisi was elected president a year ago amid this pressure. Last month, Iran and the 61-year-old hardliner were on the verge of striking a new deal, but Iran submitted demands that sent the nuclear talks into a stalemate.

Interview with President Raisi in Tehran01:00

Leslie Stahl met President Raisi at the presidential compound in Tehran for his first interview with a western reporter. Instructions included how to dress, not to sit before he did, and not to interrupt. Given one hour.

Nuclear Deal Negotiations01:32

Can we start with the negotiations on the nuclear deal? Do you want to have that deal renewed? Because you know there are some American officials who are beginning to think that you don't. If it's a good deal and fair deal, we would be serious about reaching an agreement. It needs to be lasting. There needs to be guarantees. If there were a guarantee, then the Americans could not withdraw from the deal.