'We have negotiated with many governments who we did not believe represented the will of their people. Look at all the negotiations that went on with the Soviet Union. ...That's what you do in diplomacy.

'You don't get to choose the people. That's up to the internal dynamic within a society. But, clearly, we would hope better for the Iranian people,' Clinton said. 'We would hope that there is more openness, that peaceful demonstrations are respected, that press freedom is respected.'

Asked if Iran is run by an illegitimate regime, she said: 'You know, that's really for the people of Iran to decide.'

'I have been moved by the ... cries for freedom. ...People that go back millennia, that have such a great culture and history, deserve better than what they're getting.' She said.

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)