Iran's new president, Massoud Pezeshkian, was sworn in on Tuesday after winning elections earlier this month, pledging to improve ties with the world and ease restrictions on social freedoms at home, reports "Reuters".
"We will pursue a constructive and effective interaction with the world based on dignity, wisdom and expediency," Pezeshkian, a relatively moderate, said in a session of parliament attended by foreign dignitaries and broadcast live on state television.
His victory raised hopes of a thaw in Iran's antagonistic relationship with the West, which could create opportunities to defuse its nuclear standoff with world powers.
But Pezeshkian takes office at a time of escalating tensions in the Middle East over Israel's conflict with "Hamas" in Gaza and the cross-border fighting with Iran's ally "Hezbollah" in Lebanon .
Iran, which supports groups described as the "Axis of Resistance" against Israel and US influence in the Middle East, accused the United States of supporting what it called Israeli crimes in Gaza.
"Those who supply weapons that kill children cannot teach Muslims humanity," Pezeshkian said amid chants of "Death to America" and "Death to Israel".
The leaders of Iran's Palestinian allies "Hamas" and "Islamic Jihad", as well as senior representatives of the Tehran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen and the Lebanese "Hezbollah" attended the ceremony.
Pezeshkiyan, who is expected to name his cabinet within two weeks, replaces hardliner Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May.
As the supreme authority in Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has the final say on all matters of state, including foreign and nuclear policy.
He must also approve Pezeshkian's picks for key cabinet posts, such as the foreign, oil and intelligence ministers.
Aside from mounting pressure from the West over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program, Pezeshkian faces the enormous task of freeing Iran from crippling US sanctions reimposed after Washington pulled out of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with the great powers.
Indirect talks between Tehran and Washington to save the six-power nuclear deal have been stalled since 2022, with both sides accusing the other of unreasonable demands.
"My government will never give in to harassment and pressure... Pressure and sanctions are not working... and the Iranian people must be spoken to with respect," Pezeshkian said.