Iranian President offers olive branch

Iran’s president has underscored his moderate policies and outreach to the West during a military parade marking the country’s National Army Day.

Hassan Rouhani said today that Iran has no hostile intentions toward anyone in the world, including the United States, which has long been considered an enemy.

He made no direct mention of Israel but said Iran “will not invade any country,” although it would “resist any invasion”.

He said: “We are not after war, we are after logic, we are after talks.”

The remarks were a stark contrast to his belligerent predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Since he was elected last June, Mr Rouhani has pledged to resolve the nuclear dispute with the West and end painful economic sanctions imposed over Tehran’s controversial nuclear programme.