The United States' administrations... must recognize that Iran is a big power. Having said that, we consider ourselves to be a human force and a cultural power and hence a friend of other nations. We have never sought to dominate others or to violate the rights of any other country.

In the campaign he took a populist approach. Appointed a provincial governor he was removed after the election of President Mohammad Khatami and returned to teaching. Iran's Constitution stipulates term limits of two terms for the office of President.

[citation needed] He has been criticized domestically for his economic lapses and disregard for human rights. Internationally he is criticized for his hostility towards some countries most notably Israel and the United States of America. He launched a gas rationing plan in 2007 to reduce the country's fuel consumption and cut the interest rates that private and public banking facilities could charge.