Former nuclear negotiator says Iran must show greater transparency, and says he opposes foreign intervention in Syria

This article is more than 7 years old

This article is more than 7 years old

Iran's newly elected president has pledged to follow a "path of moderation" and promised greater openness over the country's nuclear programme.

Hassan Rouhani used his first news conference since Friday's election to sketch out views that are likely to be welcomed in the west as possible opportunities to ease tensions.

But he said he would not support halting Iran's uranium enrichment, which is a key stumbling block for talks between Iran and world powers.

He also sidestepped the issue of Iran's close alliance with President Bashar al-Assad, saying efforts to end the civil war and restore stability rested with the Syrian people.

Iran's president does not have authority to set major policies such as the direction of the nuclear programme or relations with the west. All such decisions rest with the ruling clerics and the powerful Revolutionary Guard, which have so far appeared to embrace Rouhani.

He can, however, use his margin of victory and his influential connections, including the former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani to try to sway policies. He will serve as Iran's main international envoy and is almost certain to present a different tone than his combative predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who formally gives up power in August.

Rouhani 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 raise inflation to more than 30% and slashed revenue.

Previously Rouhani – a former nuclear negotiator – has criticised Iranian positions that have led to increased sanctions, but he also described the pressures by the US and others as oppressive.

"The Iranian nation has done nothing to deserve sanctions. The works it has done has been within international frameworks . If sanctions have any benefits, it will only benefit Israel. It has 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, including Rouhani, say Iran seeks reactors only for energy and medical applications.

"The first step will be showing greater transparency. 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.

"The second step is promoting mutual confidence. We'll take measures in both fields. The first step is that no new sanctions are imposed. Then, the [existing] sanctions are reduced."

On Syria, he said: "We are opposed to foreign intervention. We hope peace and tranquility will return to Syria through the co-operation with countries of the region and world."