Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that stability could not be achieved in the Middle East without Tehran’s help.

:: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that stability could not be achieved in the Middle East without Tehran’s help, responding to criticism of the Islamic Republic from US President Donald Trump who is visiting the region.

“Who can say regional stability can be restored without Iran? Who can say the region will experience total stability without Iran?” Rouhani said.

Rouhani also said last week’s election showed Iranians wanted more democracy and interaction with the world, adding this would lead to much-needed economic progress.