US calls Ahmadinejad "elected leader" of Iran

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The White House has called Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the "elected leader" of Iran, after Iran's supreme leader formally endorsed Ahmadinejad as president. The US decided not to congratulate Ahmadinejad on his inauguration after a disputed election.

The White House has been careful not to comment on the legitimacy of the Iranian election. But when asked whether Obama recognized him as Iran's president, White House spokesman Robbert Gibbs said on Tuesday that Admadinejad is the "elected leader" of Iran.