Iran's president-elect Hassan Rouhani has made it clear to the world that he seeks to follow a more moderate path than his soon-to-be predecessor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He also promised to make his country's nuclear energy program more transparent, but said Iran would not halt it. Mr Rouhani, 64, was elected as Iran's new leader on Sunday and will take office in August. Rouhani wants to improve international relations with the USA and seek "constructive interaction with the world." He also hopes that the crippling economic sanctions imposed on Iran can be lifted. He told the USA that diplomatic relations could be restored if the White House respects Iran's right to nuclear power.

Mr Rouhani was the top negotiator of Iran's nuclear negotiating team. He believes it is time for Iran to be more accepted, saying: "We are ready to show greater transparency and make it clear to the whole world that the steps of the Islamic Republic of Iran are completely within international frameworks." He added that: "The Iranian nation has done nothing to deserve sanctions." The White House stated: "If he lives up to his obligations under the U.N. Security Council resolution to come clean on this illicit nuclear program, he will find a partner in us." British Prime Minister David Cameron said: "If they don't go down the path of nuclear weapons, then they can become a full part of the international community."