Iran’s interim Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani says the recent presidential election was a testament to national stability, and that it is now the West’s turn to positively react to the constructive developments in the country.

Bagheri Kani, who is in New York to take part in two debates of the UN Security Council on Palestine and multilateralism, made the remarks in an interview with the Newsweek on Tuesday.

“Holding elections in less than 50 days, during which time security was established, as well as the election of Dr. [Masoud] Pezeshkian as the president of my country represent constructive messages for the sake of regional and global stability and peace,” the senior Iranian official said.

“And we believe now is the time and turn of other countries to constructively and positively react to these significant developments in the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Bagheri Kani said the people’s participation, transparency in the election process as well as high-level security demonstrate stability in Iran.

“We believe the other side now needs to prove honesty for interaction and, of course, to open a new chapter. We have been always very honest and serious. And we will be like so when it comes to ensuring interaction with international actors.”

Bagheri Kani also said if the United States wishes to open a new chapter, then it “should respect the choice of the Iranian people and the election.”

Iran’s election was called early after President Ebrahim Raeisi lost his life in the helicopter crash of May 19.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian interim foreign minister said the participation of Iran at the highest level in the two Security Council meetings “indicates the significance the Islamic Republic of Iran attaches to multilateral mechanisms and to the pivotal role of the United Nations when it comes to establishing stability and promoting peace in the world.”

He said it was necessary for the Security Council to use every means and capacities to make the Israeli regime end its genocidal campaign in the Gaza Strip, and even resort to force given the failure of diplomacy to cut Israel’s atrocities.

Bagheri Kani also said it is a responsibility for all countries to ensure a serious and effective effort to help the innocent people of Gaza and to stop the Israeli atrocities “unconditionally, fully and permanently.”