Khamenei backs Rouhani to show 'heroic leniency' in resolving disputes with West

Iran's Supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has backed country's moderate new president to show 'heroic leniency' in resolving diplomatic disputes with the West.

Hassan Rouhani was elected in June on a moderate platform of ending the nuclear stand-off with the West.

In a speech to the Revolutionary Guards, Khamenei said he was 'not opposed to proper moves in diplomacy'.

Khamenei said that he agrees with 'heroic leniency' because such an approach is very good and necessary in certain situations, as long as Iran sticks to its main principles'.

According to Gulf News, in a further sign of improving relations between the United States and Iran, the country's Foreign Ministry confirmed that Rouhani had exchanged letters with President Barack Obama.

The United States and Iran have had no diplomatic relations since Washington ended ties after the seizure of 52 diplomatic personnel in 1979 after the Islamic revolution.

Since his election, Rouhani has said he is interested in improving relations with the rest of the world, including the United States.

Afkham said the exchange of letters was initiated by Obama, congratulating Rouhani on his election victory.

Relations between Iran and the United States are tense over Tehran's disputed nuclear programme, and they are on opposing sides in Syria's civil war.

Iran is the most important regional ally of President Bashar Al Assad, while the United States supports the rebels seeking his ouster.

The exchange of letters also coincided with a decision by the Obama administration last week to ease longstanding restraints on humanitarian and good-will activities between Iran and the United States, including athletic exchanges.

It was at least the second relaxation of Iranian sanctions this year by the US government.