Sean Stone, 27, became a Muslim last week in a ceremony in the Iranian city of Isfahan and has adopted the Islamic name Ali.
In the past, the documentary maker has spoken of his support for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the country's nuclear programme.
Following Mr Stone's conversion, he told a news conference: "It's a mistake to believe that Islam is antagonistic towards Judaism and Christianity.
"What we need is to understand each other's beliefs and to establish dialogue."
Asked how his conversion would be reported in America, Mr Stone said he was not famous and it would have little effect on his life back home.
"The most important thing is I hope I can help Americans to understand the true nature of Islam," he said.
"I feel good when I enter a mosque. I believe there is only one God and with this view it is not important whether you are Muslim, Christian or Jewish."
Iranian media has widely covered Mr Stone's conversion and his Iran-friendly comments. » | Monday, February 20, 2012
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