Iran's presidential election was not free or fair: US

The United States on Saturday criticised Iran's presidential election as neither free nor fair, saying it likely would not change the Islamic Republic's stance on human rights.

Responding to a query from The Associated Press, the State Department said it would continue to use diplomacy with Tehran “when it advances American interests”.

“The elections in Iran were not free or fair. As a result, a significant number of Iranians chose not to participate at all,” the State Department said.

“We have no expectation these elections will lead to fundamental change in Iran's direction or more respect for the human rights of its citizens. As the candidates themselves have said, Iranian policy is set by the supreme leader.” It added: “The elections will not have a significant impact on our approach to Iran, either. Our concerns about Iran's behaviour are unchanged.”