TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s president said Tuesday the world was “entering an era of dialogue” and that his country would welcome talks with its longtime adversary, the United States, if they are based on mutual respect.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s announcement during a rally celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Iranian Revolution comes a day after President Barack Obama said his administration was looking for opportunities to engage Iran and pledged to rethink United States’ relationship with Tehran.