New Iranian president vows to pursue ‘path of moderation’

The overall tone of Hasan Rowhani’s first post-election news conference, will be viewed by the West as further evidence that his victory last week could open new possibilities for dialogue to ease tensions over Tehran’s disputed nuclear operations.

Mr Rowhani also had a dual message for the US. He called for no additional tensions and said both countries should “look to the future”. But he repeated past statements from Iran’s leadership that one-on-one talks are only possible if the US vows to “never interfere in Iranian affairs”.

Many other questions remain. Mr Rowhani sidestepped the issue of Iran’s close alliance with Syrian president Bashar Assad, saying only that the efforts to end the civil war and restore stability rest with the “Syrian people”.

He also must balance the hopes of many supporters who want him to push hard against the ruling system. At the end of the news conference, a spectator yelled out for the release of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi, who has been under house arrest for more than two years. Mr Rowhani made no comment.

He does not have authority to set major policies, such as the direction of the nuclear programme or relations with the West. All those decisions rest with the ruling clerics and the powerful Revolutionary Guard, which have so far appeared to embrace him but could easily turn against him if he is perceived as a threat to their grip on power.

Mr Rowhani, however, can use the strength of his landslide victory and his influential connections, including with former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, to try to sway policies. He also will serve as Iran’s main international envoy and is almost certain to present a much milder tone than his combative predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is to formally give up power in August.

This could help lower political friction between Iran and the West and also undercut calls by some factions in Israel and the US to study military options against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The 64-year-old Mr Rowhani – the only cleric in the presidential race – described his election as opening a “new era” and said he would “follow the path of moderation and justice, not extremism”.

“We have to enhance mutual trust between Iran and other countries,” he said. “We have to build trust.”

He also said dealing with the economy was among his priorities, in a clear reference to how Western sanctions over Iran’s nuclear efforts have helped spike inflation to more than 30 per cent and slashed vital revenue. Previously, Mr Rowhani – a former nuclear negotiator – criticised Iranian positions that have led to increased sanctions but also described the economic pressures as “oppressive”.

“The Iranian nation has done nothing to deserve sanctions. The work it has done has been within international frameworks. If sanctions have any benefits, they will only benefit Israel. They have no benefits for others,” he said.

He promised to encourage “step by step” measures to reassure the West over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The West claims that Iran is seeking a nuclear weapon. Iranian leaders insist Iran seeks reactors only for energy and medical applications.

Enriched uranium is used as fuel for energy and research reactors but it can be further boosted to make a nuclear warhead.

“We are ready to show greater transparency and make clear that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s actions are totally within international frameworks,” he said.