Iran slams US after State Department calls presidential elections 'not free or fair'

Iran has accused the United States of "interfering" with its political affairs during a weekly briefing on Monday after a US spokesman said the recent presidential elections were "not free or fair".

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani argued that such statements, following Iran's "transparent and free elections," reveal "non-constructive and hostile policies" within US government structures towards Iran.

A US State Department spokeswoman told Iran International on Saturday that the elections will not significantly impact the US approach to Iran, citing unchanged concerns about Iran’s behavior, from its nuclear program to its ongoing proxy war in the Middle East.

The spokeswoman also remarked that the Iranian elections were "not free or fair," leading many Iranians to abstain from voting, and doubted the elections would result in significant changes or improved human rights in Iran, without specifying exactly which changes.

Kanaani countered, citing Iran’s alleged commitment to "constructive engagement" with various countries, stating that confrontational behavior by some European nations have hindered progress in relations.

However, he failed to address the issue of Iran's ongoing nuclear program or its proxy war which has driven a wedge between Iran and the West as the Islamic Republic edges ever closer to a nuclear weapon.

The first round of Iran's snap presidential election saw a 39.92% turnout, the lowest in the Islamic Republic's history. Despite a reported 10% rise in the runoff, over 50% of eligible voters boycotted the election.

Iranian opposition figures have urged Western powers not to engage with the new government. Exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi called the election a "fraudulent" attempt to legitimize dictatorship.