Iran's President Hassan Rouhani signalled Saturday there would be no quick resolution to the house arrest of the reformist political leaders who said an election was rigged in 2009, AFP reports.
Though not mentioned by name, the house arrest of Mir Hossein Mousavi and Mehdi Karroubi was raised at a press conference to mark the start of Rouhani's third year in office.
"The government cannot do everything on its own," Rouhani said, acknowledging that the matter remained unsolved but suggesting it could be ended. "I have made my efforts for resolving political and social problems but... more explanations can be given at the time within the framework of national interests... We must have patience to be able to resolve and finalize issues at an appropriate time."