Raisi says Iran will prioritize improving regional relations
The president-elect said Iran wants "interaction with the world" and called on US President Joe Biden to lift all sanctions.
Days after his landslide victory, Iranian President-elect Ebrahim Raisi said on Monday that his new government will focus on engagement with regional neighbors.
“Iran wants interaction with the world,” Raisi said. “My government’s priority will be improving ties with our neighbors in the region.”
The 60-year-old judiciary chief, who will replace current President Hassan Rouhani in August, made the comments during his first news conference since winning Friday’s presidential contest. Raisi, who is under US sanctions for human rights violations, was widely projected to win after Iran’s Guardian Council barred other popular contenders from running.
Iran has downplayed concerns that the election of a hard-liner would impact ongoing negotiations over the landmark nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
