Iran's new president now says his country is ready for serious talks with world powers over the nation's controversial nuclear program.

 

　　Two days into his job, Hasan Rouhani said his government hoped that talks with the West could begin without wasting time.

 

　　"We are ready, seriously and without wasting time, to engage in serious and substantial talks with other parties. If the other party has the same level of readiness, then I am confident that the concerns of both sides will be removed through dialogue within a period that will not be very long."

 

　　However Rouhani has also insisted that uranium enrichment activities in Iran are a right granted by international law.

 

　　For its part, the US has said Mr. Rouhani's presidency presents an opportunity for Iran to resolve the world's "deep concerns".

 

　　Washington earlier said Iran would find a 'willing partner' in the United states should it meet international obligations.

 

　　Rouhani has also said that despite his willingness to engage with the US and find a solution, he fears the leaders in Washington still do not have a thorough understanding of what is happening in Iran.

 

　　He says it is yet to respond in an "appropriate and practical" manner followings June's presidential election.

 

　　A number of European leaders have also expressed interested in scheduling talks with Iran.