– Iran’s new president, Hassan Rohani, took the oath of office in parliament on Sunday, a day after he was officially endorsed by the Supreme Leader.

Representatives from over 60 countries, including the presidents of Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Armenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Sudan, Ghana, and Togo, the prime ministers of Syria and Swaziland, and the chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of North Korea attended Rohani’s inauguration ceremony.

“In the presence of the Holy Quran and before the Iranian nation, I swear to the omnipotent God that I will safeguard the official religion and the system of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the country’s Constitution,” Rohani told the members of parliament.

He then delivered a speech, in which he elaborated on the principles of his domestic and foreign policies.

Rohani stated that his administration would make efforts to “enhance Iran’s security at home and around it through building mutual trust between Iran, regional countries, and the world.

“Transparency is the key to building trust. The transparency we are talking about cannot be one-sided.”

Iran’s new president added that his foreign policy would be based on “détente, building up mutual trust, and constructive interaction with the world.”

He added, “Iran has never sought confrontation with the world. We will focus all our efforts on reining in hawks and warmongers.

“Iran has paid a heavy price for its independence, but still attaches great importance to its dignity and elevation.

“Although the sanctions have placed heavy pressure on the people, the people’s active participation in the election showed that they are serious and vigilant about safeguarding their rights and national interests.”

He went on to say that the Iranian nation “cannot be compelled to surrender through sanctions or threatened by war. Rather, the way to interact with Iran is through dialogue on an equal footing, mutual confidence building, mutual trust, and reducing hostility.

“Constructive interaction based on mutual trust and common interests and on equal terms will form the basis of our relations with other countries.”

Rohani also addressed countries hostile to Iran, saying, “If you want a proper response, talk to Iran in the language of respect and not the language of sanctions.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, he reiterated that he would pursue a path of moderation, saying, “Moderation means a balance between causes and realities and prioritizing national interests over the interests of a party. Moderation puts an emphasis on national consensus, compliance with the law, patience, and political interactions.”

Rohani also said that he would make every effort to boost the country’s economy and elevate the status of the Iranian people in the world.