French President Francois Hollande said Tuesday that Iranian president-elect Hassan Rowhani would be welcome at Syria peace talks "if he can be useful". "Let's wait for the new president's statements," Hollande said at the end of a G8 summit, adding: "My position is that if he can be useful, yes, he would be welcome" at a peace conference mooted for later this year in Geneva. Western nations including France have previously been firmly opposed to Iran taking part in a proposed Syria peace conference, which G8 leaders said Tuesday should take place "as soon as possible".

Iran's newly-elected president Hassan Rowhani ruled out on Monday any halt to the nuclear activity that has drawn UN sanctions but said he hoped an early deal could be reached to allay the concerns of major powers. The moderate cleric, who won outright victory in Friday's presidential election on the hopes of millions for an end to the economic hardship caused by Western sanctions, pledged greater transparency in the long-running talks.

Iran's newly-elected president Hassan Rowhani ruled out on Monday any halt to the nuclear activity that has drawn UN sanctions but said he hoped an early deal could be reached to allay the concerns of major powers. The moderate cleric, who won outright victory in Friday's presidential election on the hopes of millions for an end to the economic hardship caused by Western sanctions, pledged greater transparency in the long-running talks.

Germany said Monday there was an "urgent" need to find a solution over the Iranian nuclear programme, calling for continued dialogue with President-elect Hassan Rowhani, a moderate cleric. "A solution to this issue is urgent," foreign ministry spokesman Andreas Peschke told reporters. "From our perspective, we must continue the dialogue," he said. "Iran of course has a right to a peaceful nuclear programme, but also the duty to meet all international obligations."