US tells Iran to respect its people's will after election
White House praises Iranians for their courage, urges Iranian government to make 'responsible choices.' Israel says Islamic Republic will be judged by its actions
The United States on Saturday urged Tehran to "heed the will of the Iranian people" after Iranians elected moderate cleric Hassan Rohani to be their country's next president.
"We respect the vote of the Iranian people and congratulate them for their participation in the political process, and their courage in making their voices heard," the White House said in a statement.
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"It is our hope that the Iranian government will heed the will of the Iranian people and make responsible choices that create a better future for all Iranians."
The United States remained ready to engage the Iranian government directly to reach a diplomatic solution to address concerns from the international community about its nuclear program, the White House said.
Earlier on Saturday, Israel issued its first response to the Iranian election results saying that the Islamic Republic will be judged by its actions, specifically in connection with its nuclear policy and backing of terror.
A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry said, "A new Iranian president has been elected from a list of candidates approved by Ayatollah Khamenei who disqualified candidates that did not fit with his radical world view. The Iranian nuclear program has been shaped by Khamenei and not the president."
The statement further added, "Even after the elections, Iran will be judged by its actions in the areas of nuclear policy and terror. Iran must respect the international community's demands, halt its nuclear program and cease to spread terror around the world."
Rohani's election was met with reserved recognition in the West.
“The expectations of the international community with regard to Iran are significant, especially about its nuclear program and its involvement in Syria,” French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said in a statement, according to AFP.
Britain urged Rohani to "set Iran on a different course" calling for a "constructive relationship" with the West.
Reuters and AFP contributed to this report
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