On June 14 Hassan Rouhani won the Presidential elections in Iran. Mediamax talked with Dr. Ali Salami, who is an Iranian writer, political analyst, former editor of Tehran Times and analyst for Press TV.

- At first glance, the fact that there is no particular criticism against the newly elected President of Iran, proves that he has huge public support. Is it really so?

- Yes, indeed. Rouhani has recently garnered a lot of public support and I presume it was largely due to his moderate stance in all areas.

- Rouhani has a significant political career record.

- As you said, Rouhani has had a brilliant political career in the past. He successfully led the nuclear negotiations for a number of years and he was called a "very experienced diplomat and politician” by former British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw who dealt with Rouhani during nuclear negotiations between 2003 and 2005. That is why Iranians are largely optimistic about Rouhani and the “constructive” changes that he will be able to bring about in Iran’s relations with the rest of the world. 

- What was the main reason why more than 18 million Iranians elected Hassan Rouhani as their future president?  Wasn't his election a surprise? 

- Well, to some, his election came as a big surprise as they never expected a man of his caliber with such political leanings would take the lead in Iran’s presidential election. In fact, his election also nullified the notion that the 2009 presidential election was rigged. Rouhani is candidly courageous and that is why has won a lot of people to his side. A few days before the election, opinion polls indicated a strong public penchant for electing Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the mayor of Tehran. However, things changed in favor of Rouhani when he proved that he was a politician who was adamantly resolute to bring about real positive changes.

- How real is Rouhani's “Moderation” policy? Will he become the real game changer as he promised?

- Rouhani, as I said, is not a newcomer in the political arena and he knows that the time for hollow slogans is gone. It is highly possible that he may be able to serve as a game-changer in the international arena as far Iranian policies are concerned. To achieve this end, he certainly needs some time to change the stance of the West. 

- In May 2012 , Rouhani himself noted that Iran's nuclear policy won't change with the election of a new President because any policy differences concern only the pace of Iran's nuclear progress. Do you see any possible changes in the views of the new President in this context in future?

- I think constructive negotiations on both parts can help obliterate ambiguities concerning Iran’s nuclear program. But one thing is certain, there will be no backing down on nuclear right by Iran since it seeks no military ambition in its nuclear program whatsoever and believes that the West is no position to treat the country in the manner of a bully on the strength of only a handful of allegations. So, Rouhani is right. 

- Do you think we need to expect some changes in the foreign policy of Iran in nearest future?

- There is no point in thinking that Iran will not improve its relations with Russia. In point of fact, the ties between the two countries have been fairly favorable in the past. As for the US, Iran has constantly said that it will engage in negotiations with Washington but in an amicable atmosphere and on equal terms and without preconditions.

- What developments can we expect in Iran-Armenia relations?

- Iran has always held a positive approach towards Armenia and has emphasized the expansion of ties on all levels between the two countries. I am positive that the ties will be better than before. As Rouhani said in response to the congratulatory message of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, Iran will expand its relations with Armenia based on mutual understanding, trust and mutual respect.

Ali Salami was interviewed by Narine Daneghyan – specially for Mediamax.