Iran's president-elect Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said today his country had "no significant need" for relations with the United States and would continue talks with the European Union on a controversial nuclear programme.
Ultra-conservative Mr Ahmadinejad said his government would be one of "peace and moderation" but insisted Iran would continue to develop nuclear technology, which the United States says is aimed at acquiring nuclear weapons.
"No extremism will be acceptable in popular government," he said in his first news conference since he beat moderate cleric Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani in Friday's presidential run-off vote.
On the United States, he said: "Our nation is continuing the path of progress and on this path has no significant need for [relations with] the United States."
"In foreign policy... justice, peace, co-existence and expansion of fair mutual ties have priority," he added.
Mr Ahmadinejad said Iran needed atomic technology to generate electricity but Tehran would continue talks with the EU on nuclear issues based on preserving its national interest.
The EU has reacted nervously to Mr Ahmadinejad's election, amid fears he may resist international efforts to check the country's nuclear programme.
Mr Ahmadinejad has struck a defiant stance on Iran's nuclear fuel programme, which Washington sees as part of an effort to build atomic weapons.
"We need this technology for energy and medical purposes. We shall carry on with it," Mr Ahmadinejad said.
Asked about talks with the EU over the programme, he said: "With preserving national interests and by emphasising the right of the Iranian nation for using peaceful nuclear technology, we will continue the talks."
A trio of EU states - Britain, France and Germany - has said it will list incentives that could be part of a deal aimed at ending Iran's uranium enrichment programme in late July or early August.
"We want Europe to fulfil its commitments towards Iran quickly," he said, adding Iran's negotiating time would stay the same. Mr Ahmadinejad's predecessor, Mohammad Khatami, had indicated he was willing to hold further nuclear talks with the EU in September.
The nuclear negotiations are handled by the Supreme National Security Council, which answers to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final word in all matters of state and on major policy decisions on the nuclear programme.