TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday that members of the US congress have the Stone Age mentality of aggression and aloofness.

"They should choose communication and friendship instead. It is conceivable to re-establish ties (between Iran and the US) without tension. However, the key to this is in Washington not Tehran. Had it been in Tehran, I would have used it already," Rouhani said, addressing a press conference in Italy.

"The US Congress uses sanctions as the weapon of choice against others. They need to learn in today's world sanctions and coercion are useless," he added.

Rouhani expressed the hope that the next members of the US Congress would have a better understanding of global affairs.

Asked about the prospects of Iran-US trade, he said, "There are no restrictions for the Americans. They can do business in Iran. We welcome their investment, technology and joint ventures. But it is up to them. If there's a problem, it's there, not here."

Rouhani's remarks came after the US Congress approved a bill earlier this month which allows the Americans to claim Iranian funds in a case which is currently before the American Supreme Court. The hostile move came after Iran and the world powers reached a final agreement in Vienna on July 14 to end a 13-year-old nuclear standoff.

In a breach of the nuclear deal between Iran, the US, the EU, Russia and China, the Congress also passed a law affecting its Visa Waiver Program, which exempts nationals from 38 countries from having to obtain visas to visit the US but the American officials have promised to find a way to nullify the law.

By Fars News Agency