Israeli PM says sanctions on Iran should increase despite newly elected 'moderate' president

Israel has warned the international community not to ease sanctions on Iran following the election of a moderate president.

Israel said Iran's nuclear efforts remain firmly in the hands of the country's extremist ruling clerics.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued the warning a day after Hasan Rowhani won the presidential election in Iran.

According to news24, although Rowhani is considered a relative moderate and had the backing of Iranian reformists, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the ultimate authority on all state matters and key security policy decisions.

Khamenei and his powerful protectors, the Revolutionary Guard, take decisions on matters including nuclear efforts, defense and foreign affairs.

He said the international community must not get caught in wishful thinking and ease the pressure on Tehran, saying Iran will be tested by its deeds.

According to the report, Israel considers a nuclear-armed Iran to be an existential threat, citing Iranian calls for Israel's destruction.

Netanyahu said that sanctions on Iran should be increased as more pressure is put on it, so will the chance of ending Iran's nuclear programme, which remains the biggest threat to world peace.