Rouhani Sworn In as Iran's New President

Hassan Rouhani, who has been described as a moderate cleric, has been sworn in as Iran’s new president.

“Everyone who voted for me or for other candidates and also those who did not vote at all are all Iranian citizens and have equal civil rights,” Rouhani said, as cited by The Washington Post.

“I am the legal representative of the entire nation.”

Rouhani also used his first speech as Iranian president to send a message to the United States and its Western allies, which have imposed severe economic sanctions on Iran over its disputed nuclear program.

“The only way to interact with Iran is to have dialogue from an equal position, creating mutual trust and respect and reducing enmities,” Rouhani said. “Let me state it clearly that if you want a positive response, talk to Iran not with a language of sanctions but a language of respect.”

Rouhani, 64, will start his term in office in a complicated international and domestic situation.
Iran is plagued by economic hardship, caused in part by international sanctions and in part by a perceived mismanagement of some sectors of the economy.

Rouhani won the June 14 presidential election in Iran at the first round.

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