Asked about the possible re-opening of embassies, Rouhani said: “One day these embassies will re-open but what counts is behavior. The Americans hold the key to this.”

He added that if “they modify their policies, correct errors committed in these 37 years and apologize to the Iranian people, the situation will change and good things can happen”.

The moderate Rouhani came to power in 2013 promising reforms, but critics have accused him of making little headway. But the president defended his record, saying he faced constraints.

“The executive by itself cannot resolve everything. There must be cooperation with the judicial and legislative system. We hope it will happen in the future.”