In Final Speech, Outgoing Iran President Warns against Hardline Approach

Outgoing Iranian President Hassan Rouhani after delivering his last speech at the Iran International Conference Center. (Iranian Presidency)
Outgoing Iranian President Hassan Rouhani after delivering his last speech at the Iran International Conference Center. (Iranian Presidency)
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In Final Speech, Outgoing Iran President Warns against Hardline Approach

Outgoing Iranian President Hassan Rouhani after delivering his last speech at the Iran International Conference Center. (Iranian Presidency)
Outgoing Iranian President Hassan Rouhani after delivering his last speech at the Iran International Conference Center. (Iranian Presidency)

In his final speech as the seventh president of Iran, outgoing President Hassan Rouhani fiercely defended the nuclear deal and his country’s foreign policy but warned against adopting a hardline approach.

Supreme leader Ali Khamenei will transfer power to president-elect Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday. He will officially assume office on Thursday.

On the last day of his official duties as president, Rouhani and his aides participated in a farewell ceremony at the Iran International Conference Center with senior officials in his government.

“What I believed is needed to save the country in 2013 remains the same,” said Rouhani, explaining that “moderation and a constructive approach” were needed in dealing with both internal and external affairs.

He insisted on defending his approach and eight-year legacy in office, urging rival politicians to set aside their disputes and prioritize the country’s advancement.

“We must conclude that the hardline era is over,” he added, stressing that moderation was the best option.

Rouhani, a moderate, made his comments amid fierce criticism from rival conservatives and Revolutionary Guard media.

Conservatives blame him for Iran’s deteriorating economy and have repeatedly condemned his insistence on reviving the nuclear deal.

But Rouhani highlighted his administration’s success in lifting seven sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council, saying his team has always been hopeful about the results of constructive communication and dialogue.



Starmer and Zelenskiy Meet in London, Agree Military Production Project

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL
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Starmer and Zelenskiy Meet in London, Agree Military Production Project

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (C-L) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C-R) meet with soldiers from the Operation Interflex at Downing Street, London, Britain, 23 June 2025. EPA/JASON ALDEN / POOL

Volodymyr Zelenskiy and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new defense co-production initiative on Monday during a short visit by the Ukrainian president to London to discuss his country's defense against Russia.

The two leaders announced the deal in the garden of Starmer's Downing Street residence, where they also met Ukrainian troops being trained in Britain.

"I'm really proud that this afternoon, we're able to announce an industrial military co-production agreement - the first of its kind so far as Ukraine and the UK are concerned - which will be a massive step forward now in the contribution that we can continue to make," Starmer said.

He did not provide further details on the agreement. Zelenskiy said it would help strengthen both nations.

Speaking alongside Starmer, the Ukrainian president thanked Britain for its support in the war against Russia, Reuters reported.

Zelenskiy had earlier met King Charles at Windsor Castle where the two shook hands for cameras on what was their third meeting this year and the latest gesture of Charles', and Britain's, support for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian leader also met the speakers of both houses of parliament.