ILNA: White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is “the elected leader” of the Islamic republic.

Gibbs was asked Tuesday if the White House recognized Ahmadinejad as the country’s legitimate president ; AP reported.
“He’s the elected leader,” Gibbs responded however he added that Washington had no plans to congratulate the leader on his inauguration.
President Barack Obama has been cautious in responding to the turmoil of post election unrest because he’s trying to open a dialogue with Iran about its nuclear program.