Mahmoud Abbas begins a second term as Iran 's president . The results of the June 12 election were widely disputed , sparking violent protests . Asked Tuesday whether the White House recognizes Ahmadinejad as the rightful leader of Iran , press secretary Robert Gibbs said , `` He 's the elected leader . '' Since the vote , Iran has seen changes not witnessed since the 1979 Islamic Revolution .
Mahmoud Abbas begins a second term as Iran 's president . The results of the June 12 election were widely disputed , sparking violent protests . Since the vote , Iran has seen changes not witnessed since the 1979 Islamic Revolution .