An influential Iranian ex-president is calling for deep changes in the country’s foreign policy, saying Iran can no longer remain “angry with the world.”

According to The Associated Press, the statement by Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani is an unusually pointed criticism of the combative style of outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose critics say has internationally isolated Iran.

Rafsanjani made the remarks during a meeting with university teachers in Tehran that was posted on his website, hashemirafsanjani.ir, on Monday, July 22.

His ally Hassan Rouhani won a landslide victory in June 14 presidential election, and will be sworn in Aug 4, replacing Ahmadinejad.

Rouhani has pledged to follow a “path of moderation” and interaction with the outside world, reviving hopes for easing of tensions with the West.