Iran’s former top nuclear official was on Wednesday elected parliamentary speaker, a position that offers a platform to curb the government of President Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nejad in domestic politics and international diplomacy.

Ali Larijani, who was dismissed by Mr Ahmadi-Nejad last year over differences about Iran’s controversial nuclear programme, was elected unopposed. He has to be confirmed by the new parliament which met for the first time since the March elections on Tuesday.