Teheran - Iran's President Hassan Rouhani, after securing a decisive re-election, has pledged to open the country to the world and deliver freedom its people have yearned for. Rouhani sealed a second term in office after he won Friday's election with more than 57 percent of the vote. His principlist rival, Ebrahim Raisi, won 38 percent. "Iran's nation chose the path of interaction with the world, away from violence and extremism," the 68-year-old reformist said in a televised speech on Saturday. "Today, Iran - prouder than ever - is ready to promote its relations with the world based on mutual respect and national interests," he said. The election was seen by many as a verdict on Rouhani's policy of opening up Iran to the outside world, including the 2015 nuclear deal that won the country relief from international sanctions in exchange for limits on its contested nuclear programme. Iran "is not ready to accept humiliation and threat", Rouhani continued. "This is the most important message that our nation expects to be heard by all, particularly world powers." Saturday evening saw tens of thousands of his supporters celebrating by pouring into the streets of downtown Tehran, setting off fireworks, and singing and dancing until the early hours of Sunday morning. "I'm happy and a bit relieved after a month of stress," said 27-year-old Afshin as he joined a large crowd gathered in Vali Asr Square of central Tehran.(FA)
