Iran expecting 'concrete' changes under Obama

TEHRAN (AFP) — Iran is expecting "concrete changes" in US policy towards the Islamic republic under new President Barack Obama, the government spokesman was quoted as saying on Tuesday.

"We are awaiting concrete changes from new US statesmen. On several occasions our president has defined Iran's views and the need for a change in US policies," Gholam Hossein Elham was quoted as saying by ISNA news agency.

His comments followed an interview Obama gave to pan-Arab satellite television channel Al-Arabiya in which he extended a diplomatic hand to the Muslim world and said the United States would in the next few months lay out a general framework of policy towards Tehran.

"As I said in my inauguration speech, if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us," Obama said.

"It is very important for us to make sure that we are using all the tools of US power, including diplomacy, in our Continue reading the remaining 50% ...