Iran’s Supreme leader endorses Rouhani

FILE - In this Monday, June 17, 2013 file photo, Iranian President-elect Hasan Rowhani, places his hand on his heart as a sign of respect, after speaking at a news conference, in Tehran, Iran. American officials are hailing Rowhani's victory as the first tangible evidence that the U.S. strategy is affecting Tehran's nuclear policy after wreaking havoc on its economy. The draconian sanctions weighed heavily in the June 14 vote for Rowhani, a candidate who openly criticized how his country's leadership has handled the nuclear file. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File)

Iran’s supreme leader has formally endorsed Hasan Rouhani as president, opening the way for the moderate cleric to take over from outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

In a ceremony broadcast live on state television on Saturday, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave his official approval for Rouhani. Khamenei, the ultimate authority in Iran, has final say in all key matters, including Rouhani’s upcoming selections for key Cabinet posts such as the foreign and intelligence ministers. Rouhani will take the oath of office in parliament on Sunday.

Rouhani won a landslide victory in June 14 presidential elections. He has pledged to follow a “path of moderation” and promised greater openness over the country’s nuclear program, which has placed it at odds with the West.