US Says Iran 's Policies Matter, Not Its President

Dow Jones Newswires, AP:

As the U.S. sees it, who becomes Iran 's president doesn't really matter. What's important is what he does with the job, State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said Monday.

Ereli spoke about reports in Tehran that Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a relatively moderate former president, appears certain to run again in June elections.

"Our view is that who runs for president in Iran is a matter for Iranians to decide," Ereli said.

"Our concern is not with who's the president of Iran , or who runs for president, but rather what policies they follow." READ MORE

Last week, Rafsanjani said regional developments, especially increasing U.S. threats against Iran and its nuclear program, were forcing him to think more seriously about entering the race.

On Monday, the official Islamic Republic News Agency quoted Rafsanjani as saying: "Even though I prefer that someone else take up this responsibility, I think I will have to swallow this bitter medicine."

Rafsanjani, who served two four-year terms from 1989-1997, is believed to have considerable influence over Iran 's nuclear program, the cause of most of Iran 's problems with the West.

"For many, many years, Iran has been following policies that we believe are threatening to our interests, are threatening to the region and don't serve the cause of a brighter and stable and more prosperous future for the area," Ereli said.

The June 17 election is to replace pro-reform President Mohammad Khatami, who is barred by law from seeking a third term.