World leaders reacted to the election of a new president in Iran, welcoming Hassan Rowhani as the new face of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the one who is to stay in charge of the country's domestic and foreign affairs for four years.

Russia has said that any plans for a no-fly zone to shelter rebels under assault from the Syrian troops would violate international law.

President-elect Hassan Rowhani said on Saturday that he would keep his election promises and hoped the country's new era could bring prosperity and glory for Iran.

The leader of the Islamic Revolution released a message to congratulate the Iranian nation on picking a new president, saying everybody should help the president-elect to materialize the country's ideals.

Moderate candidate Hassan Rowhani has secured enough votes needed to replace the incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and thus avoid a runoff vote.

Moderate candidate Hassan Rowhani is maintaining a commanding lead with more than half the ballots counted in Iran's presidential poll.

Moderate candidate Hassan Rowhani took a commanding lead ahead of his rivals in Iran's presidential election, according to initial results released by the Interior Ministry on Saturday.

In Turkey, protesters have refused to leave a disputed park in Istanbul despite a government concession to halt a controversial redevelopment project that sparked anti-government protests across Turkey.

Moderate candidate Hassan Rowhani took a strong lead over his rivals in initial vote counting on Saturday, with his nearest rival - Tehran Mayor - a long way behind.

The United Nations has rejected Israel's settlement plans in the West Bank, saying they run counter to international law.

Moderate candidate Hassan Rowhani has taken the lead in Iran's presidential election based on early results, the interior ministry has announced.