Israel Says Khamenei, Not President, Decides Iran Nuclear Policy

Israel reacted to the election of Iran's new president on Saturday by saying it was supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who decides on nuclear policy, not the president.

"Iran's nuclear program has so far been determined by Khamenei, and not by Iran's president," the foreign ministry said after Hassan Rowhani was elected to succeed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

"After the election, Iran will continue to be judged by its acts, in the nuclear field as well as that of terrorism," the statement said.

"Iran must conform to the demands of the international community and stop its nuclear program and cease spreading terrorism in the world."

Israel, the region's sole if undeclared nuclear power, along with the West accuses Iran of using its atomic energy program as a cover for developing an atomic bomb. Tehran roundly denies those claims.

Tehran is also accused of aiding Hizbullah and the Palestinian movement Hamas, both bitter enemies of the Jewish state.