Rohani had harsh words for his son who he said committed a great sin in putting an end to his life; however he still made sure he was buried in a select plot in the temple of the founder of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Iran's newly elected president pledged Monday, in his first press conference since being elected to presidency, to follow a "path of moderation" and promised greater openness over the country's nuclear program, emphasizing messages from Western leaders since his victory that have brought cautious hope of new openings with Tehran.

But he said he would not support halting Iran's uranium enrichment, which is a key stumbling block on talks between Iran and world powers.

Iran's president-elect said the United States must recognize Iran's nuclear rights and pledge not to interfere in its internal affairs before direct talks between the two countries can take place.

"The issue of relations between Iran and America is a complicated and difficult issue," Rohani said. "It is an old wound that needs to be ... healed."