29 Mar 2024
Wednesday 24 May 2017 - 10:30
Story Code : 262272

How re-election of Iranian president Rouhani could affect global economy

Sputnik - US economic experts interviewed by Sputnik expressed different views on how the re-election of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani for a second term will affect global economic relations. Some consider the victory of a moderate candidate positive for Western countries, others believe that there are no prospects of fruitful cooperation with Tehran.





On Saturday, May 20, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was re-elected fora second term having received 57 percent ofthe votes inthe election.

"Moderate leader"

In general, Rouhani's candidacy forpresidency has been viewed bythe West asthe best option. The politician is considered more or less a "moderate leader" whom Western politicians can comfortably talk torelative tohis more extreme counterparts.

US economist Scott McDonald sees Rouhani's victory asa positive factor forthe US and the global economy, although he believes that Iran's "relations withthe United States are likely toremain problematic. "
"He [Rouhani] is, perhaps, a more comfortable leader towork withOPEC onthe issue ofmarket stability," the expert believes. "Rouhani is also much more friendly withrespect toforeign investors."


At the same time, former Assistant Secretary forFossil Energy Charles McConnell believes that the US should continue its tough policy towardIran.
"Iran is not our ally. I don't see it inany other role thana foreign competitor who wants toshow its strength inthe market. I see even more reasons forthe US tostrengthen its global energy independence and build development prospects that can guarantee security and stability ofits economy," the expert told Sputnik.


US-Iran political standoff


Following his election, Rouhani reiterated Tehran's policy ofsupporting Iraq and Syria inthe fight againstterrorism and noted that he considers the summit held last weekend inRiyadh withthe participation ofUS President Donald Trump and the leaders ofArab and Islamic countries ashaving no political value.


"The meeting that took place inSaudi Arabia is a meeting forshow and has no political value. The problem ofterrorism is not solved atthe meetings and conferences or byspending the people's money," Rouhani said ata press conference inTehran.

On Sunday, Trump participated inthe Arab Islamic American Summit held inthe Saudi capital alongwith the leaders ofMuslim-majority countries. During his speech atthe summit, the US leader accused Tehran ofsupporting terrorists, militias and extremist groups that "spread destruction and chaos" acrossthe Middle East, accusations that Iranian authorities have repeatedly denied.

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