Iran Hopeful About Chuck Hagel Nomination

Iran's foreign ministry said on Tuesday it hoped theappointment of Chuck Hagel as the next US defense secretary would lead to "practical changes" in Washington's foreign policy. At the same time, Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin said Israel should be "concerned, but not afraid of [Chuck] Hagel's isolationist ideas."

"We hope there will be practical changes in American foreign policy and that Washington becomes respectful of the rights of nations," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said at his weekly news conference, Iran's IRIB news website reported. He was answering a question about Hagel's views on Israel and US sanctions on Iran.

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