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Iran hopeful of 'practical changes' to US policy with Hagel appointment

Associated Press

TEHRAN // Iran's foreign ministry said it is hopeful the appointment of former Nebraska Republican Senator Chuck Hagel to lead the Pentagon would improve relations between Tehran and the United States.

Asked about Mr Hagel's nomination, the ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said that Tehran was hopeful that there would be "practical changes" to US foreign policy, and that nations would change their attitude towards the US if it respected their rights.

Mr Hagel was nominated yesterday and faces tough confirmation hearings. Critics have said he is hostile toward Israel and soft on Iran.

Washington and Tehran have no diplomatic relations since 1979 when Iranian militants stormed the US embassy and took American diplomats hostages.

Tensions have spiked over America's belief that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapon, a charge Iran denies.

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EDITOR'S PICKS

America's hidden agenda in Syria's war

EDITORS NOTE: RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE -- MANDATORY CREDIT

Exclusive: Influential Syrian rebel commander claims US intelligence officers are trying to enlist rebels to fight their fellow insurgents, the Al Qaeda-affiliated Jabhat Al Nusra, instead of helping them overthrow Bashar Al Assad. Phil Sands reports   America's hidden agenda in Syria's war

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Egypt vowed to pursue men like Hussein Salem, the 'Father of Sharm El Sheikh', for riches gained under ousted premier Hosni Mubarak. But hard times may have blunted its zeal. Bradley Hope reports from Cairo  Egypt's pursuit of Mubarak's cronies falters

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Members of the Free Syrian Army walk with their weapons in Al Izaa district in Aleppo February 16, 2013. REUTERS/Muzaffar Salman (SYRIA - Tags: CONFLICT POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) *** Local Caption *** SYR09_SYRIA-CRISIS-_0216_11.JPG

Brotherhood opens direct contacts with opposition groups in Damascus, providing them with cash for the first time and promising political influence in an effort to gain their support. Phil Sands reports  Muslim Brotherhood opens direct link to rebels in Damascus

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Algerian tourists admire the view from atop a mud minaret in the old town of Beni Isguen on April 24, 2013. Tourism has been a significant source of income for the oasis towns around Ghardaia, but security concerns have led to a drop in visitor numbers this year. Photo: Lindsay Mackenzie for The National.

Wildly, naturally beautiful, with hundreds of miles of Mediterranean coastline, mountains that look like Swiss Alps and endless desert, Algeria was a drawcard for tourists to North Africa. But not anymore. Alice Fordham reports from Beni Isguen  Regional violence batters Algerian tourism industry

Cypriots draw on spirit of '74 to see them through euro crisis

Caption:Greek Cypriots refugees wait for their departure to the South of the island, under control of Greek Cypriots authorities, after Turkish authorities give the authorisation, Nicosia, on November 14, 1974. During Atilla II, second stage of Turkish operation on August 14, 1974, more than 30 per cent of the land (in the North) came under Turkish occupation, and in the process, many Greek Cypriots who made up 82 per cent of the population in the north became refugees behind the ceasefire line, called the

Cypriots rekindle courage from Turkish invasion, saying they have endured far worse than the current economic slump, even as harrowing tales emerge daily of poverty and hunger. Michael Theodoulou reports from Nicosia  Cypriots draw on spirit of '74 to see them through euro crisis

Back from Iraq, US veterans fight the effects of war

Ryan Charles, 24, served with an infantry division in Iraq for two years. He began experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder last year when he returned to the United States. Michael Falco for The National

Troops who have served in America's 'war on terror' suffer at historic levels from psychological wounds and brain injuries. Taimur Khan reports from New York  Back from Iraq, US veterans fight the effects of war

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