Iran’s moderate presidential candidate stormed to victory yesterday, paving the way for what could be less strained relations between the Middle East wild card and the United States.

The bearded cleric Hassan Rowhani handily defeated his more conservative opponents, ending the eight-year tenure of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who was constitutionally barred from running again after serving two terms.

After his victory, Rowhani, Iran’s nuclear negotiator from 2003 to 2005 and the candidate most roundly supported by reformists, demanded respect for his country.

“A new opportunity has been created by this great epic, and the nations who tout democracy and open dialogue should speak to the Iranian people with respect,” he said. “If they do, they will hear an appropriate response.”

In the last week of campaigning, he touted gender equality and more individual freedoms. He won with 18.6 million votes, or 51 percent.