Andres Fogh Rasmussen, Head of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) said he has been “very encouraged by recent statements” from the new Iranian president.

He also underlined the need for the Islamic Republic to address international concerns over its nuclear energy program.

If Iran is seeking to “engage with the international community,” then “I can only welcome it,” added the NATO chief.

In an exclusive interview with American TV channel, NBC, in Tehran on Wednesday, Rouhani said the Islamic Republic will never develop nuclear weapons and has never pursued such a path.

“Iran wants nothing beyond what is defined in the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) regarding the nuclear [rights] of countries,” stated the Iranian chief executive.

Rouhani’s interview came ahead of his New York trip to take part in the annual session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The United States, Israel and some of their allies have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program, with the US and European Union using the claim as an excuse to impose illegal sanctions against Tehran.

Iran has categorically rejected the allegation, stressing that as a committed member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), it is entitled to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

Despite recent signals between the Islamic Republic and the United States officials, no plan still on table for the possible meeting of the Iranian and the US president in New York on the sideline of the annual General Assembly meeting, according to aids.

MRKD/NJF