Hassan Rouhani

Iran election: Hassan Rouhani says voters rejected extremism

After avoiding a run-off with a 57% outright victory over his main rival, Mr Rouhani said he respected the opponents' right to criticise him.

Mr Rouhani, 68, supports the landmark deal to curb Iran's nuclear programme.

The decisive victory gives him a strong mandate to seek reforms and revive the country's ailing economy, analysts say.

"The Iranian nation has chosen the path of interaction with the world, a path which is distant from extremism and violence," Mr Rouhani said in first speech after the victory, broadcast on state television.

Iran will not be bullied as thousands march in Tehran

Rouhani marked celebrations of the 38th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution Friday by addressing thousands gathered in Tehran, many of whom have been angered by the travel ban imposed by US President Donald Trump.

Rouhani did not mention Trump by name but instead stated "some amateurs are holding reins of power" in a nearly hour-long speech.

Iran's top leader: No nuclear deal unless sanctions lifted

His remarks, read aloud by a state TV anchorman, mark the first official comment on the deal since U.S. President Barack Obama secured enough support to prevent the Republican-led Congress from blocking it.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has yet to express a clear opinion on the deal clinched in July, which would curb Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for relief from crippling sanctions.

Britain says Iran too powerful to leave in isolation

Tehran and world powers struck a deal last month on Iran's contested nuclear program, and on Sunday Britain and Iran reopened their respective embassies after a break of several years.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, who met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in Tehran on Monday, said the two countries shared common ground despite a "deep legacy of distrust."

Iranians welcome nuclear deal, hope for brighter economy

There are no signs of people pouring into the streets of Tehran after the deal was announced on Tuesday — but that may have more to do with the stifling summer heat and the fact that most Iranians are fasting during the last days of Ramadan.

Many instead were glued to television coverage of the deal. At one Tehran electronics shop, people clapped as President Hassan Rouhani appeared on screen to address the nation.