Iran says US, Israel not welcome to inauguration of Hasan Rouhani, country's president-elect

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran's foreign ministry says that the United States and Israel have not been invited to attend the Aug. 4 inauguration of the country's president-elect.

Spokesman Abbas Araghchi told a press conference Tuesday that leaders from all other countries, including Britain, have been invited to the swearing-in of Hasan Rouhani.

Araghchi had said on Sunday that all world leaders have been invited to the event, but his remarks Tuesday clarified that U.S. leaders are not in the welcome list. Iran also doesn't recognize Israel.

Rouhani has pledged to follow a "path of moderation." He also promised greater openness over the country's nuclear program, which has placed Iran at odds with the West.

Rouhani won a landslide victory in June 14 presidential elections. He replaces outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.