Iranian president: US goodwill could solve nuclear stalemate

Iran's newly elected President Hassan Rouhani said Tuesday that if the United States demonstrates "goodwill" toward Iran, and an atmosphere of mutural respect is created, the way could be opened for talks about Iran's nuclear program.

"What matters to us is the practical policy and strategy of the United States," Rouhani said at his first news conference as president.

Rouhani said he was ready to enter "serious and substantive" negotiations on the issue, but emphasized that the other side should realize that a solution could be reached "solely through talks, not threats."

Meanwhile, EU foreign affairs head Catherine Ashton, who leads talks with Tehran on its disputed nuclear program, called on Rouhani to agree to a fresh round of negotiations as soon as possible.

Ashton in a letter offered her congratulations on Rouhani's inauguration and said he had won "a strong mandate to engage in dialogue and cooperation with the international community to seek a swift resolution to its serious concerns about Iran's nuclear activities.

"I hope that we can schedule meaningful talks with your negotiating team as soon as practicable," Ashton said. 

Despite Iranian denials, the West is convinced Tehran is pursuing a nuclear bomb.

Rouhani, a moderate cleric who won a landslide victory in the June 14 presidential elections, said in his inaugural address that the only way to interact with Iran is through dialogue.

The U.S. said the inauguration of Rouhani "presents an opportunity for Iran to act quickly to resolve the international community's deep concerns over their nuclear program."

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said "there are steps they need to take to meet their international obligations and find a peaceful solution to this issue, and the ball is in their court."

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for "increased pressure" on Iran, saying it was the "only thing" that would deter it from pursuing a nuclear weapons capability.

"Iran's president said that pressure won't work," Netanyahu told a delegation of 36 visiting U.S. Congressmen.

"Not true! The only thing that has worked in the last two decades is pressure. And the only thing that will work now is increased pressure," Netanyahu said in remarks relayed by his office.

Al Jazeera and wire services