TEMPO.CO, Teheran - Iran’s newly elected President Hassan Rouhani said the new Iranian government will implement more moderate and careful foreign policy and attempt to reduce tensions with the Western powers over disputed nuclear issues.

"In foreign policy moderate means neither passiveness nor confrontation, rather it means effective and constructive interaction with the world," Rouhani said during a speech broadcasted live by the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRIB) news station on Saturday adding that, "Interaction and talks should take place on an equal position."

Rouhani, 64, was elected on June 14 and replaces Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. During Ahmadinejad’s term, Iran often encountered tensions with Western powers and Israel due to suspicions over nuclear weapons development. Iran was also criticized for its support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against rebels trying to overthrow him.

Rouhani has lifted hopes of a thaw in Iran's antagonistic relations with the West that might create openings for defusing its nuclear dispute with world powers. Rouhani has pledged a more conciliatory approach than Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, under whose belligerent presidency the Islamic Republic drew ever more punishing international sanctions.

However, Rouhani also warned the country would develop relations with others only if Tehran's interests were respected. He also cautioned regional countries not to underestimate Iran's power, saying that some rival nations were now paying the cost.

"International relations with others are based on respect, mutual interest and equality. We should reduce tensions, increase confidence-building, while keeping our rights and national dignity in consideration," he asserted.

FARS | AL JAZEERA | NATALIA SANTI