After years of deteriorating relations with international partners, the United States says a definitive distinction between the previous administration and that of President Barack Obama will be made in dealing with and describing foes.

U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton told Euronews that the Obama administration will not use the "axis of evil" term used by former President George W. Bush to describe North Korea, Iran and pre-war Iraq.

Clinton said that although Iran's nuclear pursuit poses a great threat to Europe, the Middle East and the Gulf region, there are areas where the U.S. can cooperate positively with Iran. She emphasized the importance of engaging with the Middle Eastern country through dialogue.

Her remarks indicate that the current U.S. government will take a softer stance than its hard-line predecessor and try to better its relations with foes like Iran and North Korea.